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Changing Direction
Former members of a Colombian leftist guerrilla group vow to "never hold a gun ever again." Read how the PFI programme they participated in made such a difference in their lives.
Participants in PF Colombia’s recent Sycamore Tree Project® (STP) all vowed to “never hold a gun ever again.” This declaration was especially significant as these participants had all been members of a leftist guerrilla group. They also all expressed an interest in meeting with their victims to seek reconciliation, though many had a history of being victims themselves. “Through this restorative process it was remarkable to see the firm decision of the participants to leave behind the guerrillas and seek the transformation of our country in a different way,” explains Lacides Hernandez, PF Colombia Board Chairperson.
One of the facilitators for this session had previously participated in the STP as a victim. As a member of the Colombian military, he had stepped on a mine and lost his right leg. During this STP, he exemplified forgiveness for the class as he met former guerrilla members who used to make and place landmines.
