Peace Games Launches Training Initiative in Colombia

Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Education in Colombia
and the initiative of a former Peace Games intern, Peace
Games launched its first international training program in the province of Norte de Santander, Colombia in January 2006.

A team of three trainers from the United States collaborated
with a team from the University of the Andes in Bogotá to
train 45 teachers, principals, and local administrators in Norte
de Santander. The group represented 17 schools in the municipalities of Cucutilla, Sardinata, El Zulia, Toledo, and Cornejo. Several of the schools are located in rural and remote areas. Beginning in February 2006, each school launched a pilot program, during which they will use the Peace Games curriculum to implement national citizenship competencies. These competencies are grouped into three broad categories: Living Together in Peace, Democratic Participation, and Diversity. Just like students in a Peace Games school in the United States, students in Colombia will recieve weekly lessons in peacemaking and will design and complete community service learning projects. Throughout the pilot, schools will receive support from the Colombian team in Bogotá, as well as on-going technical assistance from Peace Games. At the conclusion of the pilot in June 2006, Peace Games will facilitate a second training to help teachers reflect on their experience and develop an infrastructure that will Bochalema, Colombia, the training location
expand the program to additional schools in Norte de
Santander and throughout Colombia.

Peace Games is the first international organization to recieve funding and support from the Ministry of Education for the implementation of their national citizenship competencies.

UPDATE! Read all about the results of our pilot program and other projects in Colombia,
as well as view photos of students and teachers, here! (En espańol aquí.)

PEACE GAMES CURRICULUM NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH!
Juegos de Paz

As a part of our Colombian pilot, our full-year curriculum for grades K-5 and our Games Book have been translated into Spanish. They are now available for purchase from Magistero Publishing, an educational publishing collaborative in Colombia. (Prices are in Colombian pesos, but are roughly equivalent to $15.) To learn more or to place and order, please visit www.magisterio.com.co or link directly to the Games Book at http://www.magisterio.com.co/index.php?option=com_productos&act=100&idpro=3123

Colombian Teachers, Principals, Regional Administrators and Peace Games Trainers gather for a group picture

Colombian teachers prepare to lead the group in a game of Toxic Swamp

Toxic Swamp is a game requiring cooperation, teamwork, and fast paced problem solving!