By Edgardo Ayala
(From IPS News Service)
SAN SALVADOR -- Activists and experts on education flatly reject a proposal by the leftwing government of Mauricio Funes to bring back compulsory military service, for young people at risk of being recruited by youth gangs and organised crime.
Under the proposed scheme, some 5,000 at-risk youngsters between the ages of 16 and 18 would receive six months training from army officers in military discipline and physical fitness, but without weapons. They would be trained to work in civil protection and risk prevention efforts during emergencies.
They would then receive six months of courses in mountain climbing and other sports, first aid, and vocational and skills training. The entire process would take a year, and during that time they would receive 250 dollars a month and would stay in "citizen training centres" specifically set up for the purpose and run by the army.
For the entire story, link here: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=56301
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