Graduation ceremony with diploma presentation in Colombia

The Horyzon project in Colombia had something to celebrate at the beginning of December: a total of over 1,500 young people received their diplomas for successfully participating in the "Paza la Paz" project. This means that they attended at least 80 percent of the activities and workshops. Over the course of a year, the 14 to 24-year-olds attended self-selected modules on the topics of "Civil Society Participation", "Professional Independence" and "Peaceful Coexistence & Conflict Resolution". The knowledge acquired in the training courses helps them to develop into self-determined and active adults who can bring about positive change in their society. In Colombia's poverty-stricken and violent neighborhoods in particular, few of the young people have any prospects for the future and often see no other option than to join illegal activities. Many of them are also plagued by anxiety and depression. At "Paza la Paz", the young people learn, among other things, to talk about such issues and are shown alternative options. 15-year-old Laura from Cali, for example, says that the project has taught her how to deal with her fears and negative thoughts. Experiences were discussed in small groups and with like-minded people and advice was given to each other. "Being in a group and working with lots of different people helped me to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone. My goal is to become a great person who helps others," says Laura. She was also able to receive a diploma and celebrate her successful graduation with her colleagues.