Relación de la Educación y el Proyecto de Vida de los Jóvenes Afectados por el Conflicto Armado del Corregimiento las Mercedes, Norte de Santander

Abstract

The study focused on developing pedagogical strategies that promote a culture of peace and support the construction of life projects among youth aged 12 to 15 who have been affected by the armed conflict, specifically those residing in the “Hogar” of the village Las Mercedes in Norte de Santander, Colombia. In territories wounded by violence, speaking of talents or dreams may seem like a naïve act; however, this research demonstrated that it is, in fact, a deeply political and healing one. The study adopted a qualitative approach grounded in the Educational Action Research methodology. This approach enabled an in-depth exploration not only of the impact of armed conflict on the life project construction of young people but also extended to the creation and analysis of the effects of pedagogical strategies that foster a culture of peace and shape life plans within a context marked by the harsh realities of war. The findings affirm that education holds significant potential to transform realities—especially when it transcends curricular content and creates safe spaces for critical reflection. These spaces contribute meaningfully to the development of life projects for youth affected by armed conflict, encouraging them to envision a future with hope and goals.