On September 13th, ATACO changed the course of its own history
Ataco, a village located in the state of Tolima, with approximately 7.000 inhabitants in the urban area and more 21.000 in the rural belt, was transformed in the center of the greatest peace journey in that part of the country, swept by violence.
“God is in Ataco and I know it’s just the beginning, but I’m so touched. I want Ataco to feel what I feel. Thanks for having set the example, thanks for giving us the most valuable thing you could ever give: the smile on our kids faces.” stated the mayor of the village, Carolina Rodriguez.
AMISRAEL, along with almost a hundred peace agents from different regions in Colombia, carried out an enormous social, communitarian and cultural campaign called “Ataco le sonríe a la paz” (Ataco smiles at peace), in order to celebrate the CULTURE OF PEACE DAY.
“The work has been wonderful and I have participated with them in the work they came here to do; it’s something unforeseen and God willing peace will finally reach Ataco” said Herminia Culma, coordinator of the educational facility Martín Pumana.
“They have given us great workshops, very well organized. We loved it” said Eládio Perez, local inhabitant of Ataco.
Doctors, both general practitioners and gynecologists, lawyers, psychologists and several other professionals, all volunteers in the AGENTS OF PEACE Campaign, devoted their day to provide services that most of the population doesn’t have access to. According to statistics from the last national census from DANE (National Administrative Department for Statistics) more than 56,6% of the population in Ataco has only primary school level of education and 97% of the population doesn’t have any income source.
The AGENTS OF PEACE also took clothes for the population; over 4 thousand garments were given to 150 community leader. Two hundred trees were planted, sponsored by the local children. A playground, a toy library equipped with computers, a library, a play area and a musical and artistic area which include a small stage were donated with the help of private businesses.
The volunteers also offered services of hairdressing, recreation conducted by COMFENALCO (commerce union), and several workshops, such as the ones for handicaps and their families, about environment with specialized technicians from CORTOLIMA (environmental protection agency), project development, peace culture and conflict solutions for the classroom with professionals from each specific area. There were also typical Colombian and Hebrew dances and a great party with the presence of local Indians, musical and artistic presentations from local artists and from the AMISRAEL Colombia music band.
Text: AMISRAEL Colombia
Photographs: AMISRAEL Colombia
English Version: Patrícia Mamede
Other Photos:
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