Min by 6 de Febrero
Som besökare i Colombia är det lätt att slås av den framtidstro och förändringsvilja som finns i landet, särskilt bland unga människor i fattiga områden. Attityden står i stark kontrast till det våld som samtidigt präglar landet och den mörka bild som ofta målas upp av Colombia i tidningar och tv.
I 6 de Febrero är många unga engagerade i arbetet för en bättre framtid genom att vara med i de arbetsgrupper som finns i byn. Här berättar några av dem om hur se ser på sin by och på sitt arbete med att förbättra den.
Denna Magiska Gata
Där ligger hon stilla och tyst, varje dag badandes i sol och varje kväll svalkad av den svaga bris som når oss från havet. Hon är vittne till möten och avsked, skratt och frustrationer, men det mest intressanta är att vår kära gata där hon är belägen, varje fredagskväll förefaller förtrollad. I hennes skandalösa tystnad brukar vi planera vår och vårt samhälles barns framtid.
I varje steg vi tar syns avtryck av våra tankar, tankar som under det senaste året har förvandlats till positiva handlingar för oss som bor här. Även om vi ibland blir förbannande på varandra så håller ilskan inte i sig längre än de åtta timmar vi sover, då vi drömmer om framtiden. Följande dag för den svalkande brisen våra drömmar från gata till gata, från gathörn till gathörn från budbärare till budbärare, som om den ville sammansvetsa oss invånare i denna gemensamma dröm som vi tillsammans skapar.
Det har varit många nederlag och frustrationer vilket gjort att vi flera gånger känt för att kasta in handduken, men trots att uppförsbacken ibland känns brant vet vi att byns alla barn behöver vårt stöd. Vi vet att det som framförallt förenar oss idag är vår vänskap och den tillgivenhet vi känner inför varandra. Samma vänskap som för 14 år sedan gjorde det möjligt för oss att förverkliga vår bys tillkomst och som idag lever kvar genom den uppskattning som våra föräldrar ger oss i vårt gemensamma arbete för en bättre framtid. Om vi blir osams i gruppen behåller vi vårt lugn och försöker komma fram till en positiv lösning som inspirerar och motiverar oss.
På en och samma plats, där framför Jesusikonen, studsar fotbollar, bilar stannar sin färd och fruktförsäljare slår högt på sina lådor. Sakta avtar aktiviteterna och ersätts av ett annat scenario; det är fredag och klockan är sju på kvällen, på provisoriska stolar fortsätter vi skapandet av denna framtid och Jesusbarnet är vittnet till detta stora samförstånd som sakta men säkert förverkligar vår framtid.
Dikten skriven av Juan, 14 år
The process we have conducted in our community with support from our parents and the children has been very gratifying. With our determination and effort, parts of our dreams have come true, we now have our own development plan. With support from our parents we began to focus on the problems that are the most common in our community. We have had difficulties, as any group does, but we have learned to accept each other as we are and to work harder for what we want, which is a different community as it is in our dreams. Apart from all of that I have learned many things, for instance to work with children who are the future of our community, teaching them about the process we are conducting. If I keep writing I would need a whole book.
I just want to say that this has meant a great satisfaction for all of us.
Ana-Luisa, a young community member commenting the work with the development plan
It has been something special to be part of this group because thanks to the creation of it I learned to adapt and to integrate myself with other people with whom I had never shared experiences before.
One of the most important things in this process is that through it I have become a more integral person and I have learned some things that I didn?t know about the wonderful people around me. Although each person is unique we have noticed that all of us have common values, and that is why we are so grateful for working with Plan in these processes. I have put all my efforts on learning new things and have taken advantage of all this knowledge.
Marcela, 14 years old, on working together as a community
It has been gratifying to be part of this group (the youth group) since it has helped me to see more possibilities in the world. To be a leader in the community is hard, but the only important thing is to know that a child or an adult smiles in life because you help him to.
Most uplifting to me is being a pioneer of the storytelling hour. It is a great strategy which allows the children to dream and enjoy while creating their world, a world perfect to them.
Many people are wondering why I waste my time on it, since I am not gaining anything. Unfortunately they don't realize the great value of fighting for your community and by doing this, creating a Colombia where the dreams and purposes of boys, girls, youth and adults become a reality.
Love your dreams and fight for them!
Juan, a 15 year old youth community leader who is also leading the Storyteller Hour, a project for younger children.
Since the arrival of Plan to the community two years ago, the process has been an enriching experience because I have learned the value of fellowship and team work. As a young person I feel motivated to work for the community, my community! To do all the work we have done one needs to have a sense of belonging.
It is also a satisfaction that the adults are taking us into account by allowing us to work together side for the benefit of our community. Even though we, as in any group of people, have had differences of opinion and problems, I feel so motivated that I was able to overcome everything for cause of my community 6 de Febrero?.
The children have also been a motivation. To know that with one hour of storytelling and imagination we can contribute somehow to make good people of them.
Victor, a 16 years old community member who has participated in the work with the development plan and who is also a leader in the Storyteller Hour
The process of the work with our development plan that involved us youths together with the parents has been rewarding. As a group we have worked very well together for the progress of our community.
The communication with both groups (youth and adults) has been excellent because it is very gratifying to share opinions with our parents because they started this struggle and we will follow their steps to make this community even better.
Secondly, because we are now seeing the results that we hoped for and each step that has been taken, little by little our vision is becoming a reality thanks to the effort and initiative that youth and adults have shown towards finding a solution to every issue in the community.
Lenis, community member commenting on the development plan
