What´s New?
Peer Mediators is a program that we have been applying in Americas Unidas School that has a student body of about 680 in two schedules (morning and afternoon classes). Over the past 3 months, a group of fifty students have been trained in topics such as self-esteem, Human Rights, Active non-violence, economic justice (pan y paz/ bread and peace), mediation and conflict resolution; with these students we have been carrying out a monthly process of follow-up and evaluation .
Sanctuaries of Peace returns to the churches of Cali. In December Hernando Padilla of Justapaz led indroductory workshops with members of local churches on sanctuaries of peace as a proposal for God´s people. The next dates are March 28 and 29 , July 25 and 26 and October 24 and 25.
Colombia is chosen to host the pilot program of the MCC Young Adult Initiative, which will have a duration of 2 years and will be made up of Foreigners and Nationals who will be placed in projects that will have a focus on social service in local churches that are located in lower economic sectors.
Political Advocacy
"We, the Mennonite Brethren, based on the teachings of Jesus, dedicate ourselves to disciple each person in our community to live in a way that reflects the character of Jesus Christ. A fundamental part of this discipleship is the formation in justice, active non-violence, education for peace and conflict resolution, conscientious objection, absolute rejection of war and separation of the church and state as biblical and anabaptist values. In addition, we work in the holistic stregthening of the family as a fundamental organ of society, out of the principles of love, honesty, discipline and mutual submission. In that way we are fundamentally advocating for policies that would bring about the development of a nation where justice, active non-violence and peace may reign."
Taken from the Confession of Faith from the Mennonite Brethren of Colombia
Sanctuaries of Peace returns to the churches of Cali. In December Hernando Padilla of Justapaz led indroductory workshops with members of local churches on sanctuaries of peace as a proposal for God´s people. The next dates are March 28 and 29 , July 25 and 26 and October 24 and 25.
Colombia is chosen to host the pilot program of the MCC Young Adult Initiative, which will have a duration of 2 years and will be made up of Foreigners and Nationals who will be placed in projects that will have a focus on social service in local churches that are located in lower economic sectors.
Political Advocacy
"We, the Mennonite Brethren, based on the teachings of Jesus, dedicate ourselves to disciple each person in our community to live in a way that reflects the character of Jesus Christ. A fundamental part of this discipleship is the formation in justice, active non-violence, education for peace and conflict resolution, conscientious objection, absolute rejection of war and separation of the church and state as biblical and anabaptist values. In addition, we work in the holistic stregthening of the family as a fundamental organ of society, out of the principles of love, honesty, discipline and mutual submission. In that way we are fundamentally advocating for policies that would bring about the development of a nation where justice, active non-violence and peace may reign."
Taken from the Confession of Faith from the Mennonite Brethren of Colombia
Testimony of the Month:
Christine Dussault, North American teacher living in Cali
Christine Dussault, North American teacher living in Cali
"The discussion group that was formed in September of this year at Edupaz has been exceptionally valuable for me. I have been living in Colombia for a year and a half, as an American teacher at an upper strata bilingual school.
Previous to joining the group, I had a very incomplete understanding of the conflicts of this nation. It was difficult for me to recognize the complete culture of Colombia, and the challenges Colombians face day to day.
However, with the leadership and bi-cultural awareness of Erin Sigler, several of my colleagues and I have been able to learn and discuss many important issues. We often have personal testimonies from guest speakers with different backgrounds. We can ask questions, and learn in a non-threatening environment.
I hope to use the information I've learned to promote an understanding of what Colombia has endured, and continue show people what an incredible nation it truly is."
Previous to joining the group, I had a very incomplete understanding of the conflicts of this nation. It was difficult for me to recognize the complete culture of Colombia, and the challenges Colombians face day to day.
However, with the leadership and bi-cultural awareness of Erin Sigler, several of my colleagues and I have been able to learn and discuss many important issues. We often have personal testimonies from guest speakers with different backgrounds. We can ask questions, and learn in a non-threatening environment.
I hope to use the information I've learned to promote an understanding of what Colombia has endured, and continue show people what an incredible nation it truly is."
pictures from the peer mediation training at Americas Unidas
Prayer requests
-For all of the kidnapping victims and that they may return to there families soon.
-For the advancement of the strategic planning in the office and that it may continue to develop without too many obstacles.
-For people who are interested in the avaible MCC position with Edupaz
Blessings,
The Edupaz Team
For more information on our schedule click here
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario