CAPAZ territorial school: Community peacebuilding experiences in south-western Colombia

The transitional justice process has clearly evinced the structural problems of the territories in which the conflict was the most intense. Previous exploratory studies developed in south-western Colombia identified problems of violence, insecurity, the violation of the human rights of community leaders, a lack of access to education and participation in public issues, few work and financial opportunities, and the proliferation of scenarios of illegality. Given this background, in this second study, the research team from the Pasto campus of Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia sets out to strengthen local actors based on education through community networks and initiatives.

This has given rise to the CAPAZ territorial school, which is a space for inclusive and participative education, driven by national and international academics and aimed at social leaders, former combatants, and university students in the region that may serve as potential peace advocates. With its understanding that the post-conflict requires the joint work of society, institutions, and academia, the CAPAZ territorial school is expected to be periodically replicated in the Colombian south west.