Breathing in the Promise of Peace
By: Maria Camila Bonilla 10A
The announcement of the initiation of the final stage of the peace process on September 23 rd of the past year was, arguably, the country’s biggest news in a while. The history of a country like Colombia has taught that, usually, the idea of coming to an understanding between two radically divergent institutions through the sole use of dialogue and levelheaded debate, is almost unfathomable; a large part of the Colombian population grew up thinking violence is the only way to get tangible results and righteous attention to the most trying issues some groups are facing. However, the current government and the FARC announced they were reaching the final part of the peace negotiation and some have even come to state that there is no going back now. This has led the country to believe peace is going to be an actual reality and not just a forgotten promise broken by a handful of leaders.
Even though for a significant number of people the culmination of the peace process is a much anticipated event that is sure to bring relief and calmness, there’s still a fresh memory for some people of the cruel reality and happenings this ongoing war has brought. To go successfully through the peace process it is not only necessary to have the willingness to carry it out, but also to be well informed about the country’s past history regarding this conflict between the FARC, the government and the civilian population, that ended up right in the middle of the crossfire.
Jorge Elicer Gaitán Ayala (1903-1948)
With the intention of bringing forth some of the most significant events and circumstances the conflict has originated in Colombia throughout the last 60 years, the Social Studies department, with the help of the Arts department, General Services and the tenth grade girls, led an activity on April the 8 th. This activity was done with the purpose of promoting consciousness regarding the country’s history where violence and conflict were concerned and to persuade the community to take personal initiative to help promote peace and cooperation. All throughout the school, different rooms were prepared to portray specific periods of time, occurrences and leaders, such as Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Luis Carlos Galán and Jaime Garzón to raise awareness within the community. In addition, some special guests like Salomón Kalmanovitz and Claudia Palacios, for students from eighth to eleventh grade and a storyteller for girls from fourth to seventh grade.
Jaime Hernando Garzón Forero (1960-1999)
Luis Carlos Galán S. (1943-1989)
Perhaps one of the most important guest speakers that was present during this day was Martha Luz Amorocho, mother of Alejandro Ujueta, who died during the Club El Nogal bombing, and Juan Carlos Ujueta, who was gravely injured during this event. She has been a direct victim of the age of violence in Colombia and while many remain dubious as to where the country may be heading with the realization of the peace process and reintegration of guerrilla members in civilian society, Matha Luz has made an incredible journey to find true forgiveness and embrace the peace process. Although she, alongside with her family, have faced an immense amount of pain, ire and heartbreak, she made the decision to build up, learn and advance forward with her life, instead of following the path of destruction, hate and resentment.
One of the most important things she mentioned was how “Forgiveness takes a lot of time, but it has to be done.” No matter how much pain and anger this conflict has caused for millions of Colombians, forgiveness is fundamental when it comes to going forward with the peace process. She stated that, for her, the understanding of the peace process has to be valuable, not only to the victims and victimizer, but, rather, to every single Colombian. Martha Luz mentioned that it was vital for every single person to understand justice and the idea that this concept does not mean to follow the “eye for an eye” principle. She said that nothing in the world was ever going to replace her son or his loss, but that the true justice comes from reparation. Her invitation and message focused on the philosophy that every single one of us has a responsibility with making the peace process a reality, that it is fundamental that forgiveness be present in each heart to embrace peace truthfully and that, while it is extremely difficult to grasp the idea of justice in a situation like this, we have to come to accept that, even though a lot has been lost, we have to move forward and welcome this new stage in our country’s history with the best intentions and utmost compromise.
Martha Luz Amorocho