“The guys from the gangs are used to risking everything. So, when you give them a chance to do something positive in life and they take it, they become an extraordinary force.”
ALBERTO VOL LMER, CEO, SANTA TERESA
Santa Teresa: a brand with purpose
Over the past 225 years, Santa Teresa has always been committed to making a positive social impact in its community. Undoubtedly, however, the most emblematic of Santa Teresa’s many initiatives emerged rather unexpectedly.
In 2003, a group of gang members broke into the Hacienda and ambushed a security guard. The criminals were offered an unusual choice: either work and make up for their offense or be handed over to the police. The men accepted the offer and Project Alcatraz was born.
Project Alcatraz is a program, made by the “Fundación Santa Teresa”, that recruits criminal gangs, rehabilitates them and reinserts them into society. It combines vocational training, values formation, psychological assistance, formal education and rugby. Through rugby, the values of respect, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and humility are taught as keys to success in life.
To date “Project Alcatraz” has recruited 11 gangs with more than 200 gang members and since 2013, it has taken the methodology to 34 penitentiary centers in Venezuela.
The project also has a prevention program with more than 2.000 kids that learn values through rugby every day at the Hacienda.
To learn more about Proyecto Alcatraz please go to https://fundacionsantateresa.org/en/