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The organization: The El Pilar Foundation has designed and implemented the Kairós project in two versions (2021 and 2022) with technical and financial funding from UNICEF, reaching 6 peripheral communities with a presence of vulnerable populations in Cúcuta, impacting more than 400 children and adolescents with the initiative.
This initiative uses pedagogical-artistic laboratories to work with girls, boys and adolescents in the Las Delicias community, a vulnerable environment with a high migrant presence (40%) and a population victim of the armed conflict (60%). The laboratories are spaces based on art, pedagogy and play, seeking to promote personal and community development through three key lines:
Strengthening socio-emotional skills: Competencies such as empathy, communication and emotional self-regulation are worked on, promoting individual and community well-being.This encourages healthy interactions in families and the construction of a culture of peace in the community. Strengthening mental health: Psychosocial processes and dynamic activities provide tools to deal with emotional challenges, promote resilience and strengthen mental well-being. It includes individual support for specific cases and laboratories focused on mental health. Strengthening protective environments:
Parents and caregivers are supported in positive parenting practices, non-violent communication and strong emotional bonds, promoting safety and comprehensive childhood development.
The project takes advantage of community strengths, integrating local leaders for convening and coordination, using spaces such as the community hall and the park. It also articulates efforts with active organizations, such as Fundación Tinaja and Un Norte de Esperanza Para Todos, which enhances its long-term sustainability. Note: The project has been implemented with UNICEF in two versions and has been highlighted as a success story.
Peaceful resolution of conflicts and domestic violence: The project reduces violent reactions through non-violent communication strategies and socio-emotional skills that allow managing emotions before they escalate into conflicts. It includes sessions for caregivers that promote positive parenting and strengthen family ties, creating safe environments and encouraging respectful coexistence at home.
Mental health in girls, boys and adolescents: With activities that integrate play and reflection, the project offers psychosocial support and practical tools to develop resilience, self-esteem and emotional well-being. The laboratories allow managing emotions in a safe environment, making mental health visible and accessible as part of comprehensive development.
Lack of sociocultural training spaces: The project creates a meaningful space for the community with artistic and recreational activities that foster skills such as communication, teamwork and critical thinking. This offers enriching alternatives to the absence of similar options, promoting positive values and strengthening community participation.
The initiative will include 9 2-hour pedagogical-artistic laboratories, which will be attended by all participants. 4 groups will be organized: two of 35 girls and boys aged 7 to 10 and two of 35 adolescents aged 11 to 15, ensuring that each group completes the 9 laboratories. For 60 parents and caregivers, 3 laboratories will be held in two groups, ensuring optimal participation and personalized attention. The project will end with the Festival for Peace, an intergenerational event where the participants' achievements will be presented, promoting community dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Each participant will receive a teaching kit (pencil case, teaching guides, a pen, a pencil, an eraser, a sharpener, crayons and a pencil case, as well as the specific materials needed for each laboratory) with specific materials for the laboratories, as well as snacks in each session.
The sustainability of this initiative is based on strengthening socio-emotional skills, mental health, and the creation of protective environments, promoting models of peaceful coexistence at personal, family, and community levels. To measure the impact, a pre- and post-intervention instrument will be used, complemented by qualitative testimonies that reflect individual and collective transformations. Kairós pedagogical guides will be transferred to community leaders and local organizations to ensure the replication of the project and its integration into existing processes, with remote support from the El Pilar Foundation. In addition, community resources such as classrooms, parks, and courts will be optimized to reduce costs and facilitate activities. Accountability, in which the El Pilar Foundation has experience and has been recognized by UNICEF as a case of good practices during the implementation of the two versions of the project, will strengthen the participation, empowerment and sense of belonging of the community, ensuring long-term sustainability through the appropriation of the actions by the participants. Likewise, a monitoring plan will be established 2 years into the project.
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