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How a Nun Infiltrated Ecuador's Gangs

Nelsa Curbelo wanted to end gang violence, but had to befriend the gang members first.

Former nun Nelsa Curbelo wanted to stamp out the violent gang culture in Ecuador's most populous city, Guayaquil. But she did something different to most, she infiltrated the gangs and befriended the members. Nelsa even lobbied the government to let the gangs stay, but in a completely different form.

Image: Nelsa Curbelo
Credit: Clayton Conn

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