LocationsA new game for change in Honduras
Launched in Honduras in 2024, the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) programme aims to prevent armed violence by offering young people real opportunities that steer them away from crime.
Photo: UNDP Honduras
Youth empowerment to prevent armed violence in Honduras
What does it take to stop violence? Especially in places where it has become so common and almost tolerated. In Honduras, violence happens at home or at work, in the street, at a playground or at school. Armed violence statistics are shocking.
In 2024 around 70 percent of violent deaths in the country were caused by guns, with most victims aged 12 to 30.
Despite an overall reduction of homicides in Honduras, gun violence is still causing 64 percent of violent deaths of women and girls, according to the Technical Group on Violent Deaths. Guns were used in almost half of the assaults against women and girls aged 15 to 49.
When armed violence becomes so widespread, what does it take to get to its root causes? How can we make sure that guns are truly banned from schools? How do we protect women and children? What does it take to enforce laws and regulations?
In 2024, the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) programme was launched in Honduras, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). SALIENT is driven by a bold ambition: to prevent armed violence by offering young people real opportunities that steer them away from crime. But to truly break the cycle of violence, we must go deeper, transforming the social and cultural patterns that normalize firearm possession and use. At the heart of this mission is youth empowerment.
In Honduras, SALIENT has already made an impact, reaching communities in San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Choloma and Choluteca. Over 1,000 teenagers aged 13 to 18 and over 1,400 children aged 8 to 12 were engaged in sports tournaments. In addition, a campaign was launched to exchange toy guns for books and backpacks. During the tournaments and the campaign, conversations took place with children and youth about everyday issues they face because of violence in schools, homes and communities. Boys and girls learned what each of them can do to spread the message, to prevent and resolve conflicts and to find professional help and support if needed.
Carlos clutched his toy gun, unaware of its deeper meaning. Violence was part of his world – on TV, in his neighborhood, even at home. But when the National Police visited his school, along with Jóvenes contra la Violencia, a youth violence prevention organization, and the SALIENT initiative, there was a change. Through engaging talks and vibrant visuals, they explained the impact of armed violence. The Unarmed and Educated campaign offered kids a powerful choice: swap toy guns for books and backpacks.
At first, Carlos hesitated. Then he heard Luis’ story about losing his brother to real violence. That afternoon, Carlos placed his toy gun on the school table and picked up a backpack. Across the city, over 1,100 teens hit the football and basketball courts, competing fiercely in the tournament, learning teamwork, discipline and peaceful conflict resolution. The fields became a place for connection, proving that sports could be a powerful weapon against violence.
UNDP Resident Representative Richard Barathe congratulates SALIENT programme participants.
Photo: UNDP Honduras
Having worked in five rural and urban communities, with 20 schools, 100 teachers and principals, 30 coaches and trainers, 30 social workers, and 500 community and school police officers, UNDP and UNODA ,along with national partners, have created opportunities – a key condition to stop violence. Young people need more than just warnings, they need safe schools, creative outlets in the arts, and the power of sports to steer them away from violence, idleness and drug abuse. The solution isn’t just prevention; it’s empowerment.
"2024 concluded with zero violence incidents, thanks to the implementation of various prevention strategies, including SALIENT initiatives. The institute has 6,000 students and 300 teachers, all of whom have been key to creating a safer environment. With 140 years of existence, today it stands as one of the most emblematic institutions in Honduras."
– Claudia Elvir, Director, Vicente Cáceres Central Institute in Honduras
Parents appreciated the initiative, trusting that with new opportunities and mindset, their children will live in a safer environment. “Youth need other options, so they won´t fall into criminal structures,” said Jimena Madrid, a mother from Choluteca.
Sports professionals participated in this joint initiative with the Ministry of Security and the National Police to serve as role models for children and teenagers. Professional football player Alberth Elis was one of them. “I believe it is very important that people find out how football or other sports can bring us out of complicated situations. I come from Chamelecón, and it is thanks to football that I am who I am today,” he said.
"Through sports, young people in Honduras can channel their energy, manage anger and find purpose. It keeps them away from violence, while fostering discipline, confidence and a sense of belonging. Sports are not just a game – they’re a path to transformation."
– Geovanny Midence, Football Coach
SALIENT was piloted in 2020 in Cameroon, Jamaica and South Sudan and expanded in 2024 with projects in Ghana, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Panama and Papua New Guinea. The SALIENT initiative provides comprehensive support to countries seeking to improve small arms control, enhance community violence reduction, and strengthen reporting on arms flows. These efforts are complemented by development programmes that promote more effective governance, social cohesion and economic recovery.
