Martha, a friend of ours who is a professor of ethics at the Tec of Monterrey in Mexico, is closely involved with a peace organisation called 'CreeSer', which works amongst children and families in Mexico, teaching non-violent conflict resolution skills.
http://www.creeser.org.mx/ingles/index.html
CreeSer was set up to counter the rising tide of violence in Mexican society. Many Mexican cities are gripped by everyday violence, gangs, drug-traffic and kidnapping. Domestic violence is commonplace. A culture of violence props up an array of social problems including poverty and results in a shortened life expectancy (particularly amongst young people)
This non-religious, non-government organisation (NGO) has a bold vision of 'Mexicans without violence'. It receives some official funding and business sponsorship, but mostly relies on the goodwill of individual volunteers and supporters.
If you would like to find out more, Martha (pronounced Marrr-ta), along with her husband Steven and two children (Sebastian & Eugenio) are hoping to visit Wharfedale Vineyard this Sunday (as they have done for the past several years). They are in Leeds to visit Steven’s family (his mum is our next door neighbour).
CreeSer currently has 3 main projects:
Program of education for peace in Monterrey, Mexico, including conflict-resolution education for children, families alongside work in schools, to assist with school break time games to develop cooperation
Sponsored secondary school in Baborigame, in Chihuahua Mexico. This aims to develop leadership in the indigenous young people, who can then promote eco-techniques in the community, to maximise scarce resources in this mountain region, instead of resorting to marijuana production.
Formal courses on peace education and conflict resolution for school teachers and others who want to be involved in peace-making.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
|