Originally published in Contra Punto on July 15, 2014 By Gerardo Arbaugh.
Interview with the director of a foundation that works with gangs, supported by the truce
SAN SALVADOR – With a smile that could not hide, William Mendoza has come for the third time in six months to the land of their fathers to help economically depressed and troubled sectors gang.
Mendoza, a native of San Francisco, California, has come this time to the town of Ilopango a community where rampant gang 18 to bring a donation of water filters to a sector that has problems with vital supplies liquid.
Mainly women and their children and youth identified with some gang are favored with the donations, according to Mendoza is the most appropriate form of support, considering that “water is life”.
Mendoza, founder of “The Mission For Life”, is a Christian who for six months has been working with gang members inside and outside prisons. He states that gang members have received his work including “with heart and open arms.”
There are thousands of water purification filters which Mendoza expects to distribute in El Salvador in communities with gang proliferation. He argues that the truce provided the perfect opportunity to work among these groups, asserting that no prejudice or looking guilty.
What Is The Mission Of Life?
The Mission For Life is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, and as such we focus on El Salvador and with other organizations working with gang members inside and outside prisons. We try to bring hope for a better life, I come from a family of Salvadoran and seen violence and economic difficulties have here.
Work, among other projects, bringing water purification filters for communities with access issues vital fluid, because we believe that water is life.
For how long does work in El Salvador?
For six months, but in that time we have been three times, we come every month and a half.
Do you think that the gang truce has helped to facilitate their work?
We are here because of the truce. We knew that this was the time to act and do not come with fear, come with an open heart and without prejudice. We know there are injured people, but we want to work in the hearts of people.
Did they try to work in El Salvador before the truce began?
In fact the truce gave us an excellent opportunity to work. In the five years that we as a foundation, it was the best chance to work.
What do you think of the truce, with all the ups and rumpled homicide has been over time?
I can not comment on that, because I’m not paying attention to that. Basically what we try to do is come without prejudice and without pointing to any side.
How gangs have received your work?
With heart and open arms. They know that we intend to provide assistance.
