Our subsequent field visits to symbolic repatriation places in Meddellin were interesting to me because for some odd reason, I had the strange impression that nothing much really happened outside of Columbia. These two places we visited proved me dead wrong. At times the people, buildings, markets and overall atmosphere were similar to those in China.
During the whole trip I probably had the most fun in a Library park built by the Mayor’s office for war victims in Meddelin. The Library Park and Lleras Park were surprisingly entertaining and the scenery from our hotel was beautiful. I had always wanted to see the affected communities in Meddelin that my friends from Columbia had talked about in Sweden, and am happy to have accomplished that as well.
Our visit to the two parks was a rather moving experience for me. I was touched by the explanation given to us by our tour guide, Gloria Meja about the sudden development and changes that have taken place in Meddelin since the war ended there.
Our first visit was to the peace bird center where over 20 people were killed in a carnival. It was really touching when our tour guide was explaining to us. Everybody kept quiet just to listen to the tour guide. From there we then moved on to the monument center where eight boys and one girl were killed by police officers because they suspected the children of trafficking drugs for the drugs Lord in Meddellin. The parents of these children hold the government responsible and compensation was made to the parents and the community.
At the monument we met young ladies and guys smoking marijuana in the open and in the midst of Police officers and the public. We were shocked when we learnt that smoking marijuana is legalized in Columbia. This issue became a topic for discussion among us as we boarded a bus to move to another monument park.
Finally that issue was laid to rest when we arrived at the library park where we were told by our tour guide, is a recreational center built by the Mayor’s office with funds from the tax payers. The park was a famous prison built specially for men and anyone who enters that prison will not come out. It was changed to a recreational center where people go free of cost and do many things just to keep their minds from violence or maybe thinking of going to war. The park has a playing room for children fully equipped with computers and internet facilities, a business office where the community people meet and bring out new business ideas and what next they want the Mayor’s office to do for them.
The park has an auditorium that can take up to 200 people. Families and community members meet in that place to watch films, concert and shows. Political parties and religious groups are not allowed to use the auditorium.
At the Lleras Park which is meant for the rich people, we were told in May 2001 at around 10pm a car bomb killed many rich people there. Based on this, a project was designed by the Mayor’s office for those who died and their families. A virgin Mary monument was built in memory of those dead.
Also, I learned that this very important event shaped the social landscape of Meddelin. Keeping this in mind, it was very moving to see the elaborate monument created to honor those who lost their lives in Meddellin. I was shocked by the degree of violence that took place during the war. More shocking (and disturbing) was the number of very young men and women (many younger than myself) who died for what they did not believe in. While it was also very sad to see how many people had to give up their lives to promote their beliefs and the future of the nation, I am glad that I had the opportunity to pay my respects to these very important individuals. It is hard for me to even fathom individuals having so much courage at such a young age.
What I learnt in Columbia is that the Mayor’s office designs projects and bring them to the community for vetting. That is interesting to note, unlike us (SaLone) where our Mayor’s just do what they feel like without consulting the people.
If our Mayor’s and the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) also do the same thing that is ongoing in Columbia, then it will bring a change in the country. The Mayor’s office is using the Right Based Approach (RBA) in doing things.
The field trip was fun from start to finish. Each destination was as rewarding and stimulating. It rained everyday in Columbia and seldom do we see the sunshine.
By Abibatu Kamara in South America