A process of community strengthening with different actions that allowed rebuilding the social network, implemented the Victims Unit in two communities affected by the armed conflict in Norte de Santander.
The territorial director of the entity, Alicia María Rojas Pérez, explained the strategies implemented within the rehabilitation measure: “In Luis Vero rural district of Sardinata municipality, we developed ‘Tejiendonos’ strategy where the community managed to strengthen ties of coexistence, transforming the local settings that years ago were the epicenter of all kinds of illegal and violent actions. Today these spaces were recovered and represent the history and forgiveness of a population”.
Similarly, the official indicated that in Cúcuta significant work was carried out with the group of weavers of the committee to promote the subject of collective reparation Antonia Santos. “This subject, made up of six neighborhoods, represents the transformation and reconstruction of the social network that today is committed to the construction of peace as generators of that change with forgiveness and reconciliation that they achieved through “Entrelazando” strategy.”
In the implementation of the strategies, children, youth and adults participated actively, regardless of age, shared knowledge and experiences reconstructing their memories. “The strategy opened spaces for training and community leadership, in which we have been able to work on the recovery of particular traditions and especially on the redefinition of places in an area so marked by conflict”, said John Vladimir Parra, leader of “Tejiendonos” strategy that was developed in Luis Vero rural district.
For their part, the weavers of the collective reparation subject Antonia Santos, made up of Sabana Verde, Los Olivos, Antonia Santos, Brisas del Mirador, La Carolina and La Primavera sectors, recognized the importance of the implementation of the rehabilitation measure.
“Through social practices, transformation of scenarios, living the difference, imaginary and collective duels, we have been able to go little by little helping to improve the quality of life; The road has not been easy, but today we are saying thanks to God, thanks to the Victims Unit that has accompanied us. It is gratifying to know that this human talent has made merit for us as a community to feel proud of everything that has to do with strategy”, said Arturo Duarte, from the group of weavers.
The Victims Unit will continue with the processes contemplated in the comprehensive reparation plan for these communities.
(End/CEG/CMC/LMY)
