From October 1-3, GNRC Ecuador participated in the First Fair of Non-Violent Initiatives, Because Non-Violence Also Exists! Convened by UNESCO-Ecuador. For three days, different organizations to exhibited their work toward a culture of peace. GNRC-Ecuador presented the pedagogical proposal in the Learning to Live Together manual, with which it has been promoting Ethics Education in public and private schools.

Amid the enthusiasm of children, youth and adults working for peace, this first Fair took place at the Quito City Museum, with some 500 participants including parents, teachers, and students. Experiences shared included work with people with disabilities. There were also experiences of work done with people who have been the victims of abuse and discrimination due to gender and other issues. Some of the institutions who work quietly but successfully, were made more visible.

The different activities at the Fair were marked by a collaborative effort, which brightened this encounter of activists for peace. Participating organizations shared artistic resources they use: music, dance, reading, theatre, folklore, and handcrafts such as origami, finger-knit scarves, and educational toys made of recycled material that youth themselves can make. This demonstrated the power of human creativity to give life to moments of peace and leisure.

The organizations La Comunidad, Pressenza, International Press Agency, World Center For Humanist Studies and UNESCO Associated Schools, contributed in preparing the event, where  experiences were exchanged, and ongoing joint actions toward peace were discussed, to strengthen life without violence through development that is humanist, spiritual and moral.

We hope for the continuation of this kind of encounter to the benefit of children and youth, in constructing the norms for peaceful coexistence, eradicating violence in schools, families and society at large.

GNRC Ecuador has worked toward achieving greater cooperation with UNESCO and its initiatives, to bring into effect the alliance established between the organizations to promote Ethics Education.

Written by Rita Simons
GNRC Colombia