Comuna 13 in Medellín.

The Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin has historically been one of the poorest and most violent neighborhoods in the city. For decades, the comuna was controlled by armed groups and drug traffickers, and the homicide rate was extremely high.

However, in recent years, the comuna has undergone significant transformation. One of the main factors in this change has been the use of graffiti as a means of expression and social transformation.

In the early 2000s, graffiti artists began painting the walls of the comuna with messages of peace and hope. These graffiti not only improved the appearance of the neighborhood, but also helped to create a collective awareness and encourage citizen participation.

Today, Comuna 13 is known for its impressive murals and graffiti, and is a popular tourist destination in Medellin. In addition, the neighborhood has seen a significant decrease in the rate of violence and has been recognized for its community spirit and commitment to peace and social inclusion.

The transformation of Comuna 13 has brought with it a number of new opportunities for the community. Some of these opportunities include:

Tourism development: The increasing popularity of Comuna 13 as a tourist destination has generated employment and boosted the local economy.

Training programs: Many organizations have established training and capacity-building programs in the neighborhood to help residents develop skills and knowledge that allow them to access better-paying jobs.

Community initiatives: The comuna has seen an increase in the number of community initiatives and social development projects, such as literacy programs and gardening and cultivation projects.

Reduction in violence: The significant decrease in the rate of violence in the comuna has brought with it a greater sense of security and a safer environment for investing and starting businesses.

In summary, the transformation of Comuna 13 has brought with it a number of opportunities for the community, including employment, training, community initiatives, and a safer environment.

Toy House is a toy and children's book store located in Comuna 13 in Medellin, Colombia. The store is dedicated to promoting reading and educational play among the children in the neighborhood and offers a wide variety of toys and books for all ages.

In addition to the store, Toy House also has a cafe called Aroma de Barrio, which offers drinks and snacks. This cafe is a welcoming and pleasant place where people can take a break and join community events and activities.

Both Toy House and Aroma de Barrio are projects that aim to improve the quality of life in Comuna 13 and support community development. Funds generated by these businesses are used to support development projects in the neighborhood and to promote local culture and art