Chapter 4: Peacebuilding and Social Justice in English as a Foreign Language:Classroom Experiences from a Colombian High School

Colombia has experienced more than 50 years of political violence characterized by violent conflict amongst various left-wing organizations, guerillas, paramilitary groups, and organized crime (González González, 2014; Sherman, 2015; Vargas & Caruso, 2014). Teenage students suffer the repercussions of this violent societal conflict—youth experience school violence, social isolation, and sexual harassment on a daily basis (López de Mesa-Melo, Carvajal-Castillo, Soto-Godoy, & Urrea-Roa, 2013; Rodríguez, 2014). A peace agreement was signed in November 2016, giving hope that a peaceful post-war reconciliation/state of affairs would emerge. The Colombian government is working to help its citizens move forward towards reconciliation and national unity and prosperity. Consequently, the implementation of peace and social justice curriculum (as detailed in Bill 1732 - Cátedra de la Paz [lectures for peace], 2014a) has been identified as crucial for promoting peace and reconciliation among all Colombians.