Peacebuilding through Cultural Identity and Community Participation: Lessons from Afro-Colombian Communities in Valle del Cauca.
Institutional Affiliation
Nova Southeastern Univ.
Start Date
17-1-2025 9:30 AM
End Date
17-1-2025 11:00 AM
Proposal Type
Presentation
Proposal Format
On-campus
Proposal Description
In times of increasing global conflict, understanding the role of peace and conflict resolution is crucial to fostering hope and sustainable solutions. This qualitative case study examined the peacebuilding process in Afro-Colombian communities, where a unique style of community-driven peace has emerged, anchored in Afro-Colombian identity and youth empowerment. This research identifies the key factors contributing to peaceful coexistence through direct non-participant and participant observation, as well as in-depth interviews.
Findings highlight that these communities value peace as a cultural legacy, reinforced through education that emphasizes historical consciousness and Afro-Colombian identity. This emphasis on cultural roots has equipped young people with a sense of belonging and self-esteem, empowering them to lead peace initiatives and seek nonviolent solutions. Community-led organizations and youth leaders actively promote peacebuilding, which has been integral to sustaining peace in the area.
This study proposes that this model could be replicated in other communities affected by violence. Key elements would include peace education curricula that enhance self-esteem, cultural pride, and conflict resolution skills while challenging norms that accept violence. Centering local identity and youth leadership in peacebuilding efforts provides a promising path for sustainable community-based peace initiatives. This approach not only brings new hope to conflict-affected areas but also underscores the importance of centering marginalized voices in developing resilient peace processes.
Peacebuilding through Cultural Identity and Community Participation: Lessons from Afro-Colombian Communities in Valle del Cauca.
In times of increasing global conflict, understanding the role of peace and conflict resolution is crucial to fostering hope and sustainable solutions. This qualitative case study examined the peacebuilding process in Afro-Colombian communities, where a unique style of community-driven peace has emerged, anchored in Afro-Colombian identity and youth empowerment. This research identifies the key factors contributing to peaceful coexistence through direct non-participant and participant observation, as well as in-depth interviews.
Findings highlight that these communities value peace as a cultural legacy, reinforced through education that emphasizes historical consciousness and Afro-Colombian identity. This emphasis on cultural roots has equipped young people with a sense of belonging and self-esteem, empowering them to lead peace initiatives and seek nonviolent solutions. Community-led organizations and youth leaders actively promote peacebuilding, which has been integral to sustaining peace in the area.
This study proposes that this model could be replicated in other communities affected by violence. Key elements would include peace education curricula that enhance self-esteem, cultural pride, and conflict resolution skills while challenging norms that accept violence. Centering local identity and youth leadership in peacebuilding efforts provides a promising path for sustainable community-based peace initiatives. This approach not only brings new hope to conflict-affected areas but also underscores the importance of centering marginalized voices in developing resilient peace processes.