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Fenix Students Attend Peace Workshop

Fundacion Fenix students attended a workshop this month on the Colombian peace process between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC–EP). President Juan Manuel Santos initiated negotiations in September 2012 to bring an end to the longstanding Colombian conflict and an agreement was reached in June 2016. The current President Ivan Duque is trying to get government backing for modifications to the agreement.
The workshop was led by Fenix Director Beatriz Vejarano who is a member of Rodeemos el Dialogo (ReD), a trans-national initiative founded in in London September 2012, to show the support of civil society for the negotiations. In the UK ReD has carried out public activities including academic conferences and public conversations, cultural activities and other events with a peace orientation.
Fenix students also went to the launch of Malcolm Linton´s new book of photographs which depict FARC members in their final months as combatants then trying to re-integrate into society. They had the opportunity to meet former fighters and get a better understanding of how difficult it is to end decades of conflict and injustice and their own role in helping form a better society.
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Louis de Bernieres

Louis de Bernieres Live in Oxford

Poet, novelist and musician Louis de Bernieres is appearing at the Oxford Festival of the Arts speaking of his life and work and presenting poetry awards on Tuesday 25 June.
Louis spent time in Colombia where his Don Emmanuel trilogy is based and has given poetry and musical evenings in Stanway Tithe Barn and Winchcombe to raise funds for Children of Colombia.
Set in countries from Greece to Sri Lanka, de Bernieres’ novels – including award winning “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” – and short stories are a magical mix of wonderful storytelling and deep insight into the humour and tragedy of human relationships against a broad geographical and historical background.
Billed as a two-week whirlwind of culture and creativity the Oxford Festival of the Arts offers music, drama, speakers, debates, film, dance, art, circus and comedy in venues around Oxford from
Friday 21 June – Sunday 7 July 2019.
Below: Louis de Bernieres and The Antonius Players entertaining an audience in Stanway’s historic Tithe Barn in aid of Children of Colombia
Novelist Louis de Bernieres in concert at Stanway Tithe Barn to raise funds for UK charity Children of Colombia
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Children of Colombia Trustee Antonia Bonilla

Welcome on Board Antonia!

We are delighted to welcome Antonia Bonilla to the Children of Colombia team. As our newest Trustee, Antonia has been an enthusiastic and valuable supporter since she found the charity through its website earlier this year. Originally from Colombia, Antonia is now based in London and is passionate about helping children in need in Colombia.
” I am excited to join a foundation that raises funds and awareness in the UK to help those who need it most,” Antonia explains, “and I celebrate the foundation’s commitment to allocating funds efficiently and with no overhead costs.”
Antonia is planning to visit the fundaciones in Bogota when she visits in January 2020.
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