In Sibundoy many cultures converge: Inga and Camëntza indigenous peoples, mestizos, and more recently, Venezuelan migrants. It is located in a valley at the southwest of Colombia, surrounded by green mountains.
When walking around Sibundoy, you might encounter Dante Jerónimo Benavides Flores, a curious, kind and attentive boy, who expresses himself too well to be only 12. He is originally from Pasto, 64 kilometres away, but he and his mom still feels at home here.
“Our class was known for being very problematic and loud, our teacher in charge had a hard time holding lessons.”
Dante, 12 years old
Changing behaviour through play
However, despite the tranquility of the streets of Sibundoy, the consequences of the long conflict that has been affecting Colombia are still evident. Many problems exist in its schools and bullying has become a widespread behavior. Dante, who is in seventh grade says he has seen the effects of bullying firsthand, since he has been the target of bad words and so have his friends from other classes. Moreover, the lack of discipline was something that used to get in the way of his learning: “Our class was known for being very problematic and loud, our teacher in charge had a hard time holding lessons”, Dante recalls.
This year, H&M Foundation’s partner War Child arrived in the school, with their Peace Circus project. The class started to participate in their sessions. The initiative aim to foster attitudes and the construction of relations built on respect, democracy, tolerance and non-violence – in an environment where children can feel protected.
“I have a plan: If I can publish a book with a profit, I could enter a university and study science.”
Dante
With the presence of the Peace Circus things took a turn. “When War Child arrived, the class magically started to behave in a more organized way”, Dante says. “I’ve noticed that after participating in a War Child session, we go to English class way calmer. We enter the classroom, sit down, chat a little bit, yes, but we don’t get out of control. I feel that children can let off steam there, and their behavior in class improves”, Dante adds.
Dante hopes these changes remain so he can fully concentrate on his learning and reach the goals he has set for himself: “When I was little, I always saw myself as a scientist, but that idea has evaporated over time. I really like writing and I’m good at it, so I would say I see myself as a writer. I also like chemistry. I have a plan: If I can publish a book with a profit, I could enter a university and study science”, he reveals.
Dante hopes other children can benefit from The Peace Circus, create the future they deserve and learn to peacefully coexist with others, no matter their differences.
