When the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) laid down arms in 2016, it marked both the end of decades of conflict and the start of fresh beginnings. Ex-combatants faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives and finding their place in society 🌟.
To lend a hand, the United Nations stepped in with vocational training and trauma support programs. From learning how to brew the perfect cup of coffee to mastering carpentry or digital skills, former fighters are picking up new trades and leveling up their careers 🚀.
- Vocational training: barista courses, carpentry, coding 👨💻
- Trauma support: group therapy & one-on-one counseling 💬
- Life skills: budgeting, digital literacy & entrepreneurship 💼
At the core of this effort is a focus on healing. Group sessions create a safe space to share experiences and press the reset button on emotional wounds, planting the seeds of hope 🌱.
"These programs gave me more than a job," says one participant. "They gave me a community and a chance to dream again."
With each step, former rebels are writing a new chapter — proof that peace isn't just a treaty on paper, but a journey of transformation and resilience.
—Michelle Begue, Bogotá
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
