For more than four decades, our colombian partner FUNDAEC has systematically explored an approach to social and economic development that develops the capacity of youth to become agents of positive social change. Out of these efforts, the Preparation for Social Action (PSA) program emerged. Currently, Unity Foundation is supporting the efforts to assist some 800 youth to develop their capabilities in the areas of language, mathematics, science and community development. At the heart of the program’s methodology lies the implementation of service projects at the community level. The story below illustrates the service orientated approach that is being used throughout the program and that seeks to foster within the participants the identity of a “promoter of community well-being”.
Community ownership: youths mobilize community to improve road infrastructure
Joseph has big plans: establishing a community school in his remote village
21/12/2018
FARAD Group donates 5 € per book sold!
17/01/2019In the community of Tambor in the Norte de Córdoba region in Colombia, a PSA group decided to meet with the community and share with them what they had learnt. During this meeting they consulted about what they felt would be the best act of service for the group to undertake. The two main issues that the community identified were the poor use of solid waste management and the state of the main road and it was decided that priority should be given to the road. Hence, the group started defining different lines of action and committees that could be in charge of implementing them. The tutor of the group and two of its participants, were in charge of informing the community about the date of the project and inviting the people to bring their own tools. The rest of the group were in charge of organizing and cooking lunch for the volunteers.
On the day of the act of service, the whole community came together and showed their support. Some teams were involved in cleaning the sides of the road, others were in charge of digging a canal to help with the drainage of rain water while others prepared lunch. It was very gratifying to see how a community was united around a project that would benefit all its members and in doing so they did not depend on funding or technical assistance from outside actors.
