Zonas J: Impacto 3S

Zonas J Impacto 3S is a youth-led violence prevention initiative implemented in six schools across six cities in Ecuador. The project addresses the interconnected challenges of violence, unsafe mobility, and poor adolescent wellbeing through an integrated model combining three components: community safety interventions based on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), road safety assessments using the Star Rating for Schools (SR4S) methodology, and “Mi Refugio,” a mental health and youth empowerment program. 

Zonas J aims to create safer school environments. Working alongside students, teachers, caregivers, and municipal stakeholders, the project identifies risks in and around school environments, engages young people in designing solutions, and implements low-cost improvements to public spaces and school routes. At the same time, adolescents participate in workshops that strengthen mental health literacy, emotional regulation, self-esteem, help-seeking behaviors, and social support networks.