“Nini” lifestyle leads to crime and violence in Mexico and beyond

Americas Now

A shocking study by the World Bank shows the high number of Latin American youth who drop out of school and rarely find work. They are a demographic between the ages of 15 through 24 and nicknamed the “Ninis.”

“Ninis” is a Spanish word derived from the Spanish phrase “ni estudia ni trabaja.”

The disturbing new report says twenty million young people in Latin America fall into this category. Sometimes referred to as “The Lost Generation,” they are predominantly impoverished youth with neither education nor employment. And they’re draining economies and fueling widespread crime.

Mexico has been particularly hard hit with the problem of “Ninis.” There’s been a significant correlation between the rise in the number of “Ninis” and the rise of homicide rates in Mexico over the last decade.

Correspondent Mike Kirsch travels to Sinaloa State in Mexico where this trend is prevalent. He shows us just how perilous the Nini lifestyle can be.

Watch Mike Kirsch’s report from Mexico.

“Nini” lifestyle leads to crime and violence in Mexico and beyond

A shocking study by the World Bank shows the high number of Latin American youth who drop out of school and rarely find work. They are a demagraphic between the ages of 15 through 24 and nicknamed the “Ninis.” “Ninis” is a Spanish word derived from the Spanish phrase “ni estudia ni trabaja.” The disturbing new report says twenty million young people in Latin America fall into this category. Sometimes referred to as “The Lost Generation,” they are predominantly impoverished youth with neither education nor employment. And they're draining economies and fueling widespread crime. Mexico has been particularly hard hit with the problem of “Ninis.” There's been a significant correlation between the rise in the number of “Ninis” and the rise of homicide rates in Mexico over the last decade. Correspondent Mike Kirsch travels to Sinaloa State in Mexico where this trend is prevalent. He shows us just how perilous the Nini lifestyle can be. Watch Mike’s report, here.