Pedro, a young man of 14, is a dramatic example of the impact sports participation can have on slum youth. Pedro suffers from a vascular deformity which results in his having dangerously sluggish blood flow. This potentially fatal illness has severely affected his academic performance, since he has to be hospitalized each month for yet another surgery. However, the psychological effects have been even more devastating. His doctors have told him frankly that he could die at any time, or he could live out a normal lifespan. Lacking an outlet to deal with the fear and uncertainty of his condition, and feeling little hope for the future, Pedro was violent and uncontrollable with everyone around him.
Shortly after getting expelled from school, Pedro became involved in ACJU Deportivo. In playing soccer, Pedro discovered the discipline and boundaries he needed as well as an outlet to relieve his stress. Within a short time, not only did his grades improve, but so did his behavioral issues. In fact, his conduct and attitude have improved so significantly that the principal at his new school cannot imagine how he could have gotten expelled before coming to them. Both Pedro and his parents have expressed their profound gratitude to ACJU for the support their family has received from the project.
ConeXión Mosaico 