Workshop
FINAL STEP: FESTIVAL FOR PEACE AND SOLIDARITY
In Ecuador from 2nd May to 4th May, an intercultural trip with 35 young people and adults from 13 countries was made to different Amazonian communities and to the Sierra, to live an exchange of cultural and share in their daily lives. On Thursday, 5th May, the community of Otavalo organized an artistic event and also a launch of the Proposal to be peacemakers.
A worldwide appreciation to those who said YES to the appointment JUNTOS POR LA PAZ Y LA SOLIDARIDAD, where adults and young people want to witness that in the midst of the “destruction” that they experienced due to the earthquake on 16th April. With the pain of so many human losses, collapsed houses, bridges dreams … It is possible to rebuild the country, not only with bricks, but also with a decided shift in mentality.
How can this change be achieved?
Looking with love at the dramatic events of our history, which despite of causing us harm, prompt furthermore chains of generosity and solidarity, to the point of giving one’s life for other.
With the festival, we wanted to give honor that ‘Ecuador Fraternity’, which, as true brothers we have given an immediate response to help and we have expressed our affection writing even on food jars: “We are with you”; the water provisions in the supermarkets are finished, rescuers who helped without expecting anything in return .. And these are just a few examples of the many acts of fraternity lived during these weeks.
In remembrance of every human lost in the earthquake, a moment of silence was proposed, and at the same time a white flag was raised symbolizing peace that we want we not only want in places of conflict, but also in every human heart.
Many in the world, who celebrate UNITED WORLD WEEK, lived for this moment and for their situation. Also many greetings were received from 127,000 children and young people of 113 nations from all over the world, which are part of the education program for peace; LIVING PEACE.
At the conclusion of the festival at the doors of the Equator cultural Square, there were the amphorae where people voluntarily gave contributions for the earthquake victims, funds that will be managed by the Social group FEPP (FONDO ECUATORIANO POPULORUM PROGRESSIO).
At the same time we will work on long-term projects, focused specifically on a affected area, so we ask you to visit our web site: http://www.mundounido2016.com where we shall continue to inform for those who want to be part of this concrete aid strategy.
Among the greetings and messages from all over the world, multicultural dances, touching experiences of life and encouraging songs. The festival ends with the presence of 1,500 people from different region of Ecuador, together with our 35 fellow travelers who have accompanied us during the week step by step, making us discover the beauty of a multicultural country emerged at a time of pain because of the earthquake but at the same time an exhibition of world united inserted in the Andi, shouting with one voice QUE VIVA ECUADOR !!!