Center for Arts for Peace
History
The
Center for Arts for Peace in Suchitoto provides a community space for
reconciliation and building a cultural identity for the former war
zone. Sister of Charity Peggy O’Neill, who has lived in the area for
over 20 years, is the driving force behind this effort which includes
sponsoring community events, classes, and delegation visits throughout
the year.
Education Para La Paz –This is one of a number of growing
programs which is offered through the Center for Arts and Peace in
Suchitoto. The Center has a goal of
nurturing a “Culture of Peace” and sees education as one of the most critical
agents for social change. A specific
project initiated this year is called DISCIPLINA CON AMOR (Discipline with
Love) and is directed at working with teachers in a pilot program that will be
adopted by the Ministry of Education and replicated in other zones of the
country. The goal of the training is to
offer theory and practice in finding creative and alternative ways of
disciplining children rather than resorting to violence. Through this training teachers are learning
how to better handle youth in the schools. Parent education programs are also
part of the program which aids them in applying some of the same methods in the
home. The training sessions are taught
by a Professor and psychologist, Margarit O’Farrill, along with an
assistant. Graduation from this program
for participating teachers was scheduled to take place on September 13th of
this year.
Project El Salvador is committed to financially supporting
the continued growth of the Center for Arts and Peace over the next several
years. Donations are always welcome to
help with this amazing center.