Social norms action with informed and engaged societies
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Soldiers of Peace, A Children’s Crusade - Colombia

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"Soldiers of Peace", a 45 minute documentary about the Colombian children's peace movement nominated for the l999 Nobel Peace Prize, features five young people, several of whom have suffered tragic losses of friends and families in the war. Instead of turning to violence, they have taken up the cause of peace. Through their efforts, 2.7 million Colombian children, aged 7-18 years turned out to vote in a special election known as the Children's Mandate for Peace and Rights, a referendum which has helped to shape the political future of Colombia.
Communication Strategies

The film follows the young people as they travel from their homes in Colombia to the historic Hague Appeal for Peace, where they meet with Queen Noor of Jordan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and inspiring Nobel Laureates. In transforming themselves from potential casualties into Nobel Prize nominees, these children are defying expectations. They are proving that children of war can become young soldiers of peace. The film, which provides a template for the constructive use of nonviolence, was produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Kyra Thompson, and will air on CNN's Perspectives Series
Development Issues

Youth, children, rights, political development, tolerance.
Key Points

Turner Learning has created a web site in connection with the film which will be up for at least a year. The site is to be used in schools, geared for Grade 9 and above. Teachers can video the film and use the site to construct lessons. Link to: Soldiers of Peace: A Children's Crusade Click here for website.
Sources

Letter from Sara Cameron to The Communication Initiative.