SOUTH AMERICA: Colombia – Ariari River of Peace

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SOUTH AMERICA: Colombia – Ariari River of Peace

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Projekt Status:

In Implementation

Funding Theme:

Education

Project Location:

Municipalities of Granada, Fuentedeoro, San Juan de Arama, and Vistahermosa

Duration:

2026 – 2027

Target Group:

Children and adolescents

Direct Beneficiaries:

590

SDGs: 

  • No Poverty (SDG 1)
  • Quality Education (SDG 4)
  •  Climate Action (SDG 13)
  • Life on Land (SDG 15)
  • Peace and Justice (SDG 16)

The project “Ariari – River of Peace” empowers children and youth in the conflict-ridden Meta Department in Colombia. In a region still plagued by armed groups, poverty, and environmental degradation, the project creates safe spaces through environmental education, peace dialogues, and nature-based income opportunities. The goal is to empower young people, foster their connection to the local area, and reduce the risk of recruitment by armed groups.

Project Objective

  • Preventing the recruitment and exploitation of children and youth
  • Strengthening environmental awareness and territorial identity
  • Promoting social-emotional skills and resilience
  • Developing sustainable income alternatives (bioeconomy)
  • Strengthening community and support networks
  • Promoting local peace education and a culture of sustainability

Project Activities

  • Implementation of the first “Peace Circle – Sowing Ideas”
  • School-based “Seeds of Peace” initiatives with their own environmental projects
  • Educational program for youth on the bioeconomy and nature-based solutions
  • Hands-on learning about sustainable income opportunities
  • Dialogue forums between youth and adults
  • Establishment of local safety and support networks
  • Involvement of schools, communities, and local authorities
  • Development of four school-based environmental initiatives
  • Implementation of school-based environmental and peace initiatives
  • Development of learning modules on bioeconomy and nature-based solutions
  • Completion of the project management module

Project Results:

  • Four schools successfully integrated into the project
  • 70 children and youth reached in the first peace circle
  • High level of participation and environmental awareness among participants
  • Local environmental priorities identified for each community
  • Four school-based environmental projects defined
  • University partnerships established for the diploma program
  • Project implemented on schedule despite delays

#PostcodeEffect

Our heartfelt thanks go to the German Postcode Lottery, whose donation made this project possible!

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The YOU Foundation – Education for Children in Need, an initiative of UNESCO Special Envoy Dr. h.c. Ute-Henriette Ohoven, is committed to education for the poorest of the poor worldwide.

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