Phelps Stokes’ Programs for Latin America and the Caribbean launched the second cycle of the International Legal Clinics Seminars in Bogota and Quibdó, Colombia during the week of October 10. These seminars conducted in conjunction with Howard University Law School and the Fulbright Commission-Colombia and sponsored by USAID-Colombia, aim to share the US experience during the Civil Rights Movement with Afro-Colombian university students throughout Colombia. Presenters discussed the history of the US Civil Rights Movement and how any lessons learned during that time might be applicable to the Colombian context, or not. The seminars also included a leadership development component which focuses on “Leadership for Social Change.”
Among other exercises and activities, participants were asked to select a social issue and depict it using a combination of Legos, pipe cleaners, and various other items. Following that activity they were asked to depict their vision of that problem resolved using the same materials. Above are photos of some of the creations that were developed. Issues of corruption, environmental degradation, education, and health were all issues that were mentioned in the context of Colombian society and in particular in Afro-Colombian communities.
Students participating in the Bogota seminar hailed from San Andres/Providencias, Chocó, Tumaco, and other parts of Colombia. Students participating in the Quibdó seminars hailed from all parts of Chocó. The next installment of the seminars will take place in the spring in Cali and Cartagena, Colombia.
