During my internship with the Study Group on Violence and Victims from September 30 to December 31, 2024, I carried out various activities related to the project „Coexistence and Security in Malvín Norte,“ a neighborhood in Montevideo characterized by territorial fragmentation and socioeconomic inequality. The Group, coordinated by Dr. Luciana Scaraffuni and Dr. Rafael Paternain, is part of the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of the Republic of Uruguay. Its focus centers on victims of violence, recognizing them as key protagonists of our time, and on the dynamics of state violence, particularly police violence.

My internship was structured in three stages. The first involved a bibliographic review on security, violence, and youth, including authors such as Mark Selter and Rosana Guber, as well as Southern Cone studies linking territorial violence and youth, like the works of Eugenia Cozzi. The second stage entailed gathering information on coexistence in Malvín Norte, supporting sociology students preparing for fieldwork, and collecting relevant material for my master’s thesis. The third stage consisted of fieldwork, engaging with local actors, systematizing interviews, and mapping organizations working with youth.

One of the most significant moments was participating in activities with the NGO Gurises Unidos, which operates in dangerous areas like Boix and Merino in Malvin Norte. I observed how they build trust with children and families while navigating risks in a context of insecurity with the aim of integrating young people into socio-educational and recreational processes and helping them with personal or family issues. This practical experience complemented the theories I studied, allowing me to reflect on the rising violence in vulnerable neighborhoods in Montevideo. It has been very important for me to get to know this territory under the supervision of institutions and organizations that have been working in the neighborhood for a long time. Thanks to their experience, I was able to understand the most pressing social issues and the actions being taken (or not) to improve the situation there.

Among the results of the internship, I highlight the development of skills in tools like MAXQDA to map territorial actors and actions, as well as contributing to the Study Group by providing contacts and insights for future fieldwork. Additionally, I refined the focus of my thesis, concentrating on organizations and their approaches to addressing youth-related issues in violent contexts.

In summary, this experience allowed me to connect theoretical research with practice, deepening my understanding of social dynamics and territorial issues. I highly recommend academic internships like this one, as they integrate learning and social engagement in an enriching way.

Tips for other Interns

 Teleophone-/Internetconenction

Antel

Bank/Accountopening

Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay Or PREX Card

Going-Out Activities

I recommend walking along the Rambla in Montevideo with a view of the beach at Parque Rodó and watching candombe groups perform in different neighborhoods of the city.

Bars: Brecha, Santa Catalina.

Libraries:

• National Library: Ideal for studying in an old, less bright
• Faculty of Communication Sciences Library: Perfect for studying in a new, well-lit building

Other

Use plenty of sunscreen!! the sun is very strong, whether it’s on hot or cold