First Area

The Loretto neighborhood, also called ''Pablo Escobar'' by its residents, is located in Community 9, on a mountain in the city of Medellín, Colombia. It was financed in its beginnings by the leader of the so-called Medellín Cartel, and was inhabited by families living in extreme poverty in the municipal garbage dump of Moravia. 
Despite its poor beginnings, the neighborhood has experienced considerable growth and is now home to more than 16,000 people. However, it is important to note that access conditions in the area are challenging, and basic services such as schools, health centers, and other necessary infrastructure for a good quality of life are lacking. It is worth mentioning that the inhabitants are committed to overcoming the stigma they have carried for more than 30 years. Despite this, they have a strong awareness of the need for change and understand the challenges they face in moving towards individual and collective healing to build a better future.

It is fundamental that the authorities and society in general recognize and support the efforts of the inhabitants of Loretto to overcome difficulties and build a strong and dignified community. The transformation of this neighborhood requires the joint work of all sectors of society to give more power and value to the less privileged, to increase their social capacity, to allow them access to all resources and to participate in the development of society with equal rights and benefits.
It is essential to understand that the Loretto Neighborhood is much more than its past, and it deserves to be recognized for its efforts to achieve a just life and overcome the challenges it has faced.