I’m Anibelka Gómez, a volunteer of the Focolare Movement in Santiago de los Caballeros (Dominican Republic), a teacher and current the principal of a public school.

Education is not just a right but a powerful tool to transform our communities. As educators, we have the power to influence the building of a more just and fraternal society. At a certain point, I felt a deep concern: how can I help build the “dream” of unity for which Jesus asked the Father? What concrete actions can I take to ensure that education becomes a driving force for peace in our communities?

So last year we thought of doing something that went beyond the walls of our school. We had limited resources but believing in the power of Jesus who promised to be present among those who love one another, we organized an international congress entitled: “Promoting an Education of Peace” in Santiago de los Caballeros. We decided that the basis of this congress would be the mutual love between the organizers, members of the Focolare Movement of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. It was attended by 140 teachers, psychologists, principals and education professionals, representing 55 educational centres, including the Café con Leche School in Santo Domingo, a school which is committed to living the “art of loving” proposed by Chiara Lubich.

Pictured: International Congress “Fostering Peace Pedagogy” (Photo: Anibelka Gómez)

God’s providence was evident through the help, support, and collaboration of Director Rafael Liriano and Councillor Ysmailin Collado of the 08-04 Educational District, the National Association of Principals (ASONADEDI), some local entrepreneurs and the community of Santiago, which supported us with the practical arrangements.

The congress sparked renewed interest in learning more about the Focolare Movement’s educational initiatives, such as the Cube of Peace and the 6×1 Methodology (six steps for one goal). This led to a follow-up seminar entitled “A Culture of Peace and the 6×1 Methodology”, with principals and teachers from 20 schools participating. The goal was to share the approach with other schools and educators.

Left: Workshop on FormaT, right: Workshop on the Peace Nut and Methodology “6 x 1” (Photo: Anibelka Gómez)

This workshop highlighted the urgency of introducing the Cube of Peace and the 6×1 Methodology into schools. Several principals and teachers affirmed that implementing these programs would help children promote a culture of peace for the good of society. To continue this initiative, a new training course called FormaT was offered, an online course for those who accompany children, adolescents and youth in educational settings. Its aim is to share experiences, skills and tools for education and accompaniment. The course is offered online from Colombia and involves teachers from 14 educational centres. It runs monthly from September, with 9 modules, and leads to a certificate for participants.

The impact has been significant. The participating schools have formed strong bonds. During Lent, we held a retreat with FormaT participants, followed by a weekend gathering for the participating principals. It amazes us to see how Jesus multiplies our efforts, touches hearts and brings about fruits beyond what we can imagine, giving life to real experiences of unity.

Anibelka Gómez
Cover photo: © Alicja-Pixabay