HIP-HOP ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM

UNCLAS LIMA 004411 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/PDA (MDCONNERS/GADAMS/SLEBENS) E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PE SUBJECT: HIP-HOP ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM ¶1. From October 1 to 4, 2005, PAS and Peruvian anti-drug NGO Cedro organized a five-day Hip-Hop/rap program with U.S. group Havikoro in underpriveleged neighborhoods in Lima, Callao, and the provincial city of Trujillo. The program sent a positive anti- drug message to disadvantaged Peruvian youth and included workshops and concerts with local rappers and breakdancers. Media coverage of Havikoro and their program activities was extensive. Over 600 people, including members of the Community of the Buen Pastor, an organization for recovering drug addicts, attended the three workshops. The concert in Lima was also a success with over 700 hip-hop fans treated to two local rap groups, a local break-dance group, and Havikoro. The Peruvian rap groups and Havikoro preached a healthy, anti-drug lifestyle while the Peruvian break-dance group, composed of street children who formerly break-danced for change on street corners, injected a message of hope in the program. ¶2. The workshops in the lower-class districts of Los Olivos, Callao and Comas were attended by a total of 600 young people who danced and showed off their own break-dance moves. Over 600 hip- hop fans enjoyed two hours of break dance, rap and DJ spinning in the stunning, new Municipal Theater in El Callao. Havikoro closed the concert with a show that included interaction with the audience, gags, live dance and music. In the provincial city of Trujillo the program reached over 400 people, some of whom had traveled from nearby cities. ¶3. Media coverage: PAS made an agreement with a local radio and TV channel to promote the program in exchange for publicity for the radio channel on promotional posters and flyers. The whole program was heavily covered by local newspapers, radio stations and nationwide TV programs, and included interviews with Havikoro and local Peruvian groups. Total placements related to the program include four web page articles, five newspaper and magazine articles, four TV spots, and four radio interviews. We are particularly pleased with a large story published La Republica's Sunday cultural magazine, a very influential center- left daily with an average circulation of 28,000. ¶4. Results: This program directly supported the post's Disruption of Criminal Organization's MPP goal. Specifically, the program encouraged the rejection of illicit activities by showing such drug-related behavior as threatening to the communities' and individuals' future economic opportunities and social well-being. PAS Lima reached thousands of youths in marginalized neighborhoods with this program, many of whom are continually exposed to illicit drugs and drug trafficking. Havikoro and local Peruvian groups presented break-dancing and rapping as healthy alternatives to drugs, violence and mischief. Additionally, the program provided an excellent opportunity for underprivileged youth to see the United States and the Embassy in a positive light. PAS plans to continue supporting programs that target at-risk and disadvantaged young people. ¶5. U.S. support: This Program was funded with FY05 WHA PD funds. Our appreciation goes to WHA/PD, Steven Lebens, for his close coordination with post. Post highly recommends Havikoro for presentations and workshops throughout Latin America. Note that two of Havikoro's five members speak Spanish. STRUBLE