Construyendo paz a través de los juegos heurísticos.

Abstract

The project “Building Peace through Heuristic Play” aims to strengthen coexistence and citizenship competencies in girls and boys aged 2 to 5 from a Hogar Comunitario de Bienestar (Community Childcare Center – HCB) located in a rural area of Boyacá. It is implemented within the framework of the research group Semillero de Investigación Tejer entre Nos Otros and emerges as an initiative focused on promoting peaceful coexistence and citizenship competencies from early childhood. Its purpose is grounded in the need to transform child-rearing practices based on violence, such as verbal aggression, physical punishment, and limited communication, which contribute to conflicts among peers and negatively affect the holistic development of children in rural contexts.

The general objective of the project is to implement and evaluate a heuristic play program that promotes coexistence and peacebuilding in early childhood. To achieve this, educational actions are proposed that focus on the development of empathy, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution through free exploration experiences using both structured and unstructured materials. These activities, facilitated by educational agents, seek to strengthen emotional self-regulation, respect, and coexistence through dialogue and reflection. As part of the process, the heuristic play corner “The House of Peace” is created—a permanent, open-access, and collaborative space integrated into the pedagogical routines of the community childcare center. This space uses recycled and locally available materials to foster creativity, cooperation, and affective bonds among children.

The methodology adopted follows a qualitative and participatory approach and is carried out at the HCB “Payasitos Alegres.” The sessions include moments of free exploration, guided activities, and reflective spaces mediated by educational agents. Evidence of progress in child and community coexistence is collected through pedagogical journals, observations, and photographic records.

The results show a greater willingness to engage in dialogue, increased respect for rules, a reduction in episodes of aggression, and the strengthening of values such as solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect. Likewise, an increase in autonomy, creativity, and family participation in pedagogical processes is observed.

In conclusion, heuristic play is consolidated as an innovative pedagogical strategy that promotes peacebuilding from early childhood. Through free play, exploration, and guided reflection, girls and boys learn to coexist, express emotions, and resolve conflicts constructively, contributing to the strengthening of more empathetic, democratic, and peaceful communities.