While Rory Smith was doing research for a master鈥檚 thesis on organized crime in Monterrey, Mexico, he saw why so many kids turn to gang membership. 鈥淓ducation is no longer seen as an avenue for social mobility,鈥 Smith . 鈥淛obs are scarce, and the state is for the most part absent, abusive, and corrupt.鈥
In 2013, Smith and two other social scientists founded (Climbing Borders), a nonprofit designed to teach at-risk youth in Monterrey how to rock climb. In a community full of broken families, frequent exposure to violence, and a pervasive sense of powerlessness, Smith believes outdoor sports can inspire confidence and positivity in kids.
鈥淕etting to the top of a climb is a major achievement for these youth; it鈥檚 an accomplishment that they themselves thought impossible,鈥 Smith .
鈥淭o show themselves that they can accomplish something from their own willpower is the first step in showing them that they can do a lot more than they ever thought possible with their lives.鈥
On Monday, Escalando Fronteras to raise $30,000 for a youth center in Monterrey鈥攁 permanent facility with climbing walls and space for tutoring and career mentorship. The group鈥檚 website says that 30,000 underage Mexicans live as child soldiers. So far, they鈥檝e saved 142. With a new facility, Escalando Fronteras hopes to expand that number into the thousands.