18-05-2025
South Valley Youth Initiative brings resources to ‘underserved' area
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It's a part of the city that community members say lacks youth resources. In response, those members have organized a series of events designed to help fill the gap. Local schools and businesses are investing in the South Valley one event at a time. The South Valley Youth Initiative is designed to provide a space for youth in the area.
The first event took place in April, but organizers have hopes it will continue for years to come.
'The genesis of the event was conversations I have with middle school and high school students; I'm a social studies teacher and them letting me know that there's nothing to do over the weekend and I was like, 'Well there's so many things to do but they're in Albuquerque,'' said Alex Paramo, Director for the South Valley Youth Initiative.
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Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in mental health workshops, fitness challenges and sports clinics, educational support, and community health fairs. While also enjoying live cumbia music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
Volunteer groups include students from schools in the community including NACA and El Camino Real Academy. 'I want to be a part of this event because I want to help other people and kids get out of the street, which is a really big part of this whole event,' said Danger Kenton, an El Camino Real Academy student.
'We were inspiring them in a positive way, we're motivating them, providing resources so that they could know that their future is bright and there are things to do in the community that and organizations that can help them reach their goals,' said Paramo.
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While they are grateful to their investors, who are helping put on these events, they appreciate any other donations to help them pay for the 7-to-8-thousand-dollar cost to put on each event.
The next event in the series will be taking place on Sunday, May 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rio Bravo State Park. These events will continue monthly through October.
For more information about the initiative or to donate, go to
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