We have by now reached, the seventh day of this journey of interculturality. We are leaving early from the Mariapolis Centre “Concordia”: destination Otavalo, in the province of Imbabura. Belen, an Ecuadorian youth, tells me that the road is rich with natural beauty. In fact after about an hour of the journey appears right in front of us, the Cayambe volcano (third highest mountain of Ecuador). After a few kilometres, a spectacle of an extraordinary suggestion: the San Pablo lake, reflecting in its clear waters, is the view of the of Imbabura volcano, from which the water flows flushed from the Peguche Waterfalls. It is all a blend of stability and dynamism of nature. I see my fellow travellers and I realise that we are all captivated by this scenery. Though not as simple passive observers: in these days we are learning that it is necessary to harmonise oneself with the surrounding ambient, remaining silent and listening profoundly to that which nature suggests to the soul.

We arrive at Otavalo to participate in an event organised by the local institutions, entitled “Jovenes por la paz” (Youth for peace). Francisco tells me that all started during a meeting of the Youth for a United World of Ecuador with some community representatives and the local community: «We had only gone there to present the United World Week and share some ideas. Instead those present were enthusiastic! They asked us very many questions to understand more and in the end the mayor organised public event. For us it was a great surprise. We were not expecting much. The event is of great significance because Otavalo was declared “Intercultural Capital of Ecuador”».

As we are coming down from the bus, the country band starts to play and joyful people meet us. While we move up the stairs from of the Community Intercultural Centre “El Colibrí”, the youth of the schools welcome us with applauses and handshakes. Basically, it seems that right here it is serious! And it is actually like this. Present at the event are diverse newspaper journalists, radio and televisions. In audience representatives from a dozen countries from around whole world: Italy, Korea, Philippines, the Honduras, Burundi, and Austria. Looking here, you can already see a piece of a united world.

Gustavo Pareja, the mayor of this community, introduces the meeting and explains how much we should care to promote the culture of universal brotherhood: «We wanted to organise this event because it is important to shout out to the world that only peace can lead to a better world. We must work until this is realised. The youth with their enthusiasm, are an example for all of us. Acting, not stopping; not moved by personal interests, but because it is still a great idealism! They don’t see the barriers between men, but only brothers and sisters of a single human family. They have one dream: to change the world. And we want to do it with them! ».
Then we move on to the square, to participate in a holy ritual according to the tradition of otavalos (indigenous community of kichwa). The ceremony is presided over by three yachak, the wise man of the community; this is a thanksgiving ritual to the Sun. It is an important moment of sharing and mutual knowledge, an occasion to accept the culture of this community. Artistic moments and an award of the team to Maria Guaita and Marco De Salvo, the international responsibles of the Youth for a United World follow on.

The event concludes by a symbolic act, but very meaningful. The invitation is simple, but really radical: to personally commit ourselves construct the bridges of fraternity. All the present leave their fingerprint on a white board, writing their own personal commitment: «the youth will change the world », «Unity is not utopian», «We respect differences », «Culture without boarders». Basically, sentences that testify the importance of this moment for all present. 

Among the participants, present was also Achic, an otavalos indigenous youth that met the Focolare Movement: «When I met the charism of Chiara Lubich I was really young. What touched me the most is that there were no differences; I fitted in well and did not feel discriminated against. I was invited to a meeting called “Mariapolis”. That meeting changed my life: I learned that with simple gestures, like a smile or welcoming a person who passes by, could construct a real realisation. I could make the people feel welcomed, constructing bridges of fraternity ». When asked if she ever wondered whether that made her lose identity: «Not at All! I understood that by loving in this world, I don’t lose my identity. In fact, I find it and understand it always more ». She tells us, then, what her future projects are: «I would like to study international political science, because I want to learn, always more, to relate myself with people. Well, my dream is to bring reciprocal love in my community and to all that i meet in my life ».