Peace has been a buzzword in Colombia for the past few years. Despite political promises that it has been attained, news of social leaders and journalists being killed shows that the country is still far away from achieving peace.
Starting today, the seventh edition of the MasterPeace Bootcamp series begins in Medellín for a week-long conference. The international organization is part of what it calls a global movement that aims to build peace in communities across the globes through entrepreneurship, cultural agency, and open dialogue.
This is the first time in the history of the conference that it is being held in South America, as some 45 participants from more than 30 countries will be in attendance and part of expert panels. This year’s edition will focus squarely on how entrepreneurship and healthy economies can help establish peace in certain areas.
“Medellin was chosen to host this year’s event due to the incredible transformation the city has experienced on the rocky road to peace,” the company’s event press release noted. “The boot camp will be an opportunity for those attending to share their experiences with local leaders from Medellin who for years have been working to offer children and young people in vulnerable neighborhoods of the city an alternative to violence.”
Some of the local projects and organizations set to be on display include: Union Latina, a dance academy that takes in young people from poorer backgrounds; a library teaching children and teenagers to read called Sueños de Papel; and SiHembra, a female-centric organization that aims for more opportunities for women. Organizers and leaders from those groups and more will be at the MasterPeace Bootcamp to share their experiences with event attendees. Some other local guests include:
- Lina Tobon: Through the nonprofit Mangle, Tobon helps to offers Capoeira classes to young people in the Moravia neighborhood of Medellín.
- Manuela Arboleda: the face behind Dharti Yoga offers the meditation as an alternative to violence.
- Carla Bejonero: With Deditos Verdes’ urban gardens, Bejonero teaches about the importance of sustainable energy and environmentalism.
Check out the video below for more details on this week-long event:
