--- title: The Street Gangs of Caracas description: Venezuelan photographer Oscar Castillo has risked his life photographing the street gangs of Caracas for the past three years. canonical: https://time.com/3792010/the-street-gangs-of-caracas/ author: Vaughn Wallace article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2012-10-04T08:00:28.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T04:40:57.772Z article:section: World og:title: The Street Gangs of Caracas og:description: Venezuelan photographer Oscar Castillo has risked his life photographing the street gangs of Caracas for the past three years. og:url: https://time.com/3792010/the-street-gangs-of-caracas/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt003d5fbe368320d1/6987a06955a85937cba87e81/nuestra_guerra_selex2_0043.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: A gang member poses with a gun in Caracas og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: The Street Gangs of Caracas twitter:description: Venezuelan photographer Oscar Castillo has risked his life photographing the street gangs of Caracas for the past three years. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt003d5fbe368320d1/6987a06955a85937cba87e81/nuestra_guerra_selex2_0043.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # The Street Gangs of Caracas > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=7c7dfb53-bf81-4485-ad1f-7bb82fd79ea6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [Vaughn Wallace](https://time.com/author/vaughn-wallace/) ## Vaughn Wallace Oct 4, 2012 8:00 AM UTC  A gang member poses with a gun in Caracas. Some 50 homicides occur in the city each week. A gang member poses with a gun in Caracas. Some 50 homicides occur in the city each week.Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective by [Vaughn Wallace](https://time.com/author/vaughn-wallace/) ## Vaughn Wallace Oct 4, 2012 8:00 AM UTC “There has never been a shortage of bereaved mothers in the sprawling, violent Caracas barrio known as Catia,” writes correspondent Tim Padgett [in last week’s issue of TIME International](http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,2125527,00.html). Caracas, he notes, usually suffers some 50 homicides a week, making it one of the world’s deadliest capitals. As many as a third of them occur in Catia, where gunmen even use hillside garbage chutes to more efficiently dispose of corpses. Few of the killers are ever prosecuted. The black-and-white photographs of Oscar B. Castillo, a Caracas-based photojournalist, accompany Padgett’s bleak dispatch. Documenting the violence of the barrio put Castillo at immense risk—from both gang members and the police. “I felt safer when I was with the gangs than when I hung around the city by myself,” he told TIME. Although never far from the shadow of gratuitous violence, Castillo acknowledges that codes of respect and solidarity run deeply through the community. “The people took care of me and protected me in risky situations,” he said. “When I told one of the guys involved in gang violence about the story, he told me to talk about their bad situation…to tell the kids that inside gang life, there’s no life at all.” Castillo began photographing the street gangs of Caracas almost three years ago. Since then, he’s endeavored to use his photography as a way to explain to outsiders the complex layers of life in Catia. “I would like to share a more complete and sincere vision of this moment in Venezuelan history. I am focused on this because it is my hometown, my country, my family—it is my people that are wounding and killing each other.” _Oscar B. Castillo is a member of the Fractures Photo Collective. View more of his work on_ [FracturesPhoto.com](http://www.fracturesphoto.com/gallery/oscar-b-castillo/).  A gang member poses with a gun in Caracas. Some 50 homicides occur in the city each week. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Graffiti in the Marin sector of San Agustin neighborhood. San Agustin is known for being a violent area, but is also recognized for its cultural activism and music schools. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Residents amid debris in Catia, a barrio often ravaged by flooding. Heavy rain has destroyed many shanty towns, forcing residents to migrate. The government has launched an extensive construction program to relocate these families. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Sucre police officers stand at a checkpoint in front of graffiti of Hugo Chavez. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  A meeting of hiphop artists and gang members. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  A child draws daily scenes of violence in his community. The age of entry into crime life is dropping and there are an increasing number of cases involving boys as young as 10 or 11 years old. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Police officers raid a slum following two murders committed in the area earlier that day. These raids are often the cause of cross-fire accidents in which bystanders and innocent residents are wounded or killed. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Motorcycle stunts in Caracas. Motorcycles, like cellphones, are some of the most coveted objects in the city, and are the source of a number of conflicts. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  A hip hop artist plays music at his home for members of a local gang. The hand prints on the wall served as a popular symbol for Chavez in the 2006 presidential elections, representing the 10 million votes his supporters said he would obtain. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  The mother of 22-year-old Elio J. Acosta cries in front of journalists after identifying her son at the morgue. In recent years, the media has come under fire due to its alleged political use of information and cursory coverage of violence. The government has also received criticism for withholding official homicide numbers for 5 years and attempting to censure the private media from reporting on violence. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  A man displays his gun in the middle of the street. The government estimates that there are more than 6 million weapons currently in the hands of civilians. Policemen and military officers are the main providers of weapons and ammunition to gangs and organized criminal groups. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  View of Caracas from the northwestern neighborhood of Carapita. Caracas has around 4 millions inhabitants and between 4,000 and 5,000 homicides each year. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  A stencil depicting Henrique Capriles Radonski, the presidential candidate for the opposition party. Political graffiti covers much of the city, serving as a constant reminder of the nation's political tensions. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  "Abrebrecha" Collective members rally on May 1, together with hundreds of thousands of partisans, to show their support for President Hugo Chavez and the recently approved Organic Work Law, which they see as a step toward workers' rights and justice. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Police officers search a group of young men for weapons and drugs. These raids are critically regarded by the community due to many cases of police brutality, summary executions and kidnappings. In recent years, the government has launched a program to create a unified national police force, including a university specializing in security operations and civilian contact. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Bullets on the ground. The government estimates that there are more than 6 million weapons currently in the hands of civilians. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  The body of a victim of violence in the Emergency Room of a public hospital. On weekends, public hospitals in areas with high incidents of violence become quickly overcrowded and doctors are forced to make some patients wait to receive treatment depending on the severity of their injuries. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  Relatives of "El Rodeo" prison inmates rally in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protest for living conditions of the prisoners. Due to corruption and lacking infrastructure, the inmates are often responsible for providing for their own basic needs. Despite the efforts of the government to reorganize the penitentary system, which has been neglected for decades, the prevalence of corruption, drug trafficking and weapon smuggling inside the jails grows yearly. Oscar B. Castillo—Fractures Collective  A singer waves his gun at a concert, shooting into the air to motivate the crowd. The government estimates that there are more than 6 million weapons currently in the hands of civilians. Oscar B. 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