Conflict in Colombia between government forces, paramilitary and guerrilla groups devastates the lives of children and families. 18,000 boys and girls have been recruited by armed groups, leaving them with physical and psychological damage.
Taller de Vida (Center for Development and Psychosocial Consulting) works to prevent the recruitment of children and young people into armed conflict, and provides a safe space for former child soldiers. TdV rehabilitates these children and reintegrates them back into families and civil society.
Arts and music-based therapies play a central role in TdV’s work to reintegrate children affected by armed conflict. TdV believes that through expressive arts children can make their voices heard, they can build new ways of communicating and relating to others and can recreate their personal and collective stories. The children learn to recognise their emotions, beliefs and prejudices, thus developing life skills as they reintegrate into their families and civil society. Involvement in the arts groups helps children to rebuild these essential ties. Building resilience of individuals and communities is a core component of this work and the healing process.
‘Art collectives’ sit at the heart of TdV’s innovative psychosocial intervention methodology for the reintegration of children. (This methodology has been adopted by the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF)). Working primarily with children between the ages of 4 to 18, from diverse ethnic backgrounds, TdV runs multiple arts therapy projects (psychosocial workshops) for large groups of children, which incorporate stories, dance, poetry, song and more.
Through this programme:
- 92% of the children involved in the Bambú project do not return to armed conflict; they take back their lives and participate in society.
- 82% of the children TdV works with return to education.
- The voices of traditionally under-represented groups are now being heard through the Truth Commission’s work. TdV has played a significant role in this shift through their engagement with children from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The attached resources are part of the How We Care series, an innovative space for those working with children and families to share practice. By practitioners, for practitioners. You can also download the full package of learning, including resources from 2 other Family members, here.
