On January 11 2020, a crime-prevention education meeting entitled “Crime-Free School” was held at American University in Mexico.
According to the data published by the Mexican Secretariat of Public Security [SESNP] in January 2019, the number of murders in Mexico in 2018 totaled 33,341—an increase of 15.5% when compared with the 28,866 cases reported the previous year. With approximately 91 murders occurring every day, Mexico continues to suffer from a high rate of violent crimes.
“Crime-Free School” is an educational program that not only encourages youths and college students to build self and social awareness, but also provides concrete strategies and practical points for crime prevention.
During the education meeting, approximately one hundred participants, including school officials, gathered to learn about the action plan for crime prevention and reduction. ASEZ members presented strategies on how college students can prevent crimes that threaten the dignity and sustainable development of humanity, as well as practical ways to reduce the crime rate in the community.
The students participated in a name card activity to help them build self-awareness, mutual understanding for others, and respect for society. The name card consisted of information about themselves such as their name, gender, hobbies, specialties, dreams, true character, and the color that expresses themselves. Through this, they could understand themselves more deeply and allow their classmates to understand who they truly are by expressing themselves with color.
After participating in the event, Alberto Aguilar Alvarez, the Headmaster of the International American University of Puebla, Mexico, praised the activities of ASEZ and signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] in order to implement the sustainable crime-prevention program.
Through the education program, ASEZ members aim to improve the character of university students in Mexico, thus preventing and reducing crime as a long-term solution.
