Youth’s peace proposal wins civic prize

50 youngsters that fight against violence and struggle for preservation of the environment were granted first prize in the “Premio Cívico por una Bogotá Mejor” award. The award consisted of 13 million Colombian Pesos (US $6500) for the project of "Escuela Viva por una Colombia Posible" (Living School for a Possible Colombia) was Granted the Civic Award, together with technical assistance during one year.  

The purpose of this award is to identify and spread out successful experiences with social work being carried out by the city’s communities, as well as to look for public recognition for their civic work and contribution to improve living conditions in Bogotá.

The  competition was organised and sponsored by Plan, Casa Editorial  El Tiempo,  and  the  Colombia  Presente  and  Corona  foundations, who gave 9 million Colombian Pesos (US $4500) for the second prize, that was granted to “Asociación Biblioteca Comunitaria Sembrando Semillas”.
"People have changed the way they look at us. We are doing something good and this prize gives us the willing to improve", said Martin, one of the members of the team.

The third prize was granted to “Asociación de Productos Rurales de Sumapaz” and the fourth to “Asociación de Copropietarios del Centro Urbano Antonio Nariño”; the latter will receive materials and equipment for reconstruction of the Cadiz theatre. The special award, “10 Años a Iniciativas Juveniles” (Ten Years to Youth Initiatives), was granted to Funrec, an entity that promotes the practice of extreme sports.
Auder (23), has a new vision: "To be in this project is a personal challenge. I see my future more in the fields that in the city, because you can contribute to the community", explains.

In the award’s tenth version the following projects were also finalists: “Cooperativa Copevisa Proyecto Educativo Comunitario” (mutual association dedicated to community education projects); “Asociación de Mujeres Cabeza de Familia Avanzar” from the Bosa neighbourhood (an association of household head women);  “Cooperativa de Trabajo Asociado Ecobosco” (an associated work cooperative);  “Red de Mujeres Territorio Sostenible” (a women network for sustainable land); “Corporación de Acción Social Taza y Pan” (a social action organisation),  as well as the group action “Barrios del Mundo Hacia una Red Juvenil de los Cerros Orientales de Bogotá” (a network dedicated to recover the city’s east hills).

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