What an amazing week of learning about peacebuilding in Medellin Colombia with a most amazing group of students from UNT.

We are finishing up today in Medellin after a very busy week. Professors Demeritt, King, and myself led a group of nine students to learn about peacebuilding in Colombia and to learn from the people most involved in this vital work. We visited the area of Medellin known as Comuna 13, which has undergone a radical transformation from being the epicenter of political and criminal violence in Medellin, to one of the most heavily touristed areas of the city. Hundreds of visitors daily learn about the conflict and see how people have transformed this area into one that highlights the many accomplishments of the area, especially in the arts.

We visited our friends in Altavista, on the outskirts of Medellin to learn about how they are trying to preserve the memories of their isolated community, which has had a history of conflict violence, and how they are supporting themselves with productive enterprises. We also learned about their efforts to document and teach about sustainable farming practices that can help make the community more self-sufficient.

On Wednesday we heard from our partners in Aulas de Paz about our recently conducted survey of current and former gang members and what the results tell us about the prospects for peace. The students also heard from a prominent former combatant who is part of the Itagui Peace Table, which is seeking to bring peace to the criminal gangs in Medellin and the surrounding region.

A highlight of the trip was bringing together the women of Altavista with the women of the Mothers of the Candelaria. The women from both groups had never met one another, but had so much in common. While both groups have experienced the violence and pain of Colombia's armed conflicts, their incredible resilience and desire to support themselves, their cause and their community make them such a inspiration. We are so happy to have played a role in helping with the introductions and showing our students what groups of strong, determined women can do together.

We are so very proud of our students, who gave up their spring break, to fly down to Medellin and have these experiences. As always, we return from Colombia with renewed energy about our many projects and more plans for the future!