Civil society and governmental leaders in Pereira, Colombia have launched their community on a path towards developing broad societal support for the rule of law. With assistance from NSIC, these leaders created citywide educational programs that teach local citizens their essential role in developing a lawful community. Now in schools, media, government, and faith-based and secular organizations they create a widespread vision of individual and community empowerment. People from all walks of life are being encouraged to reject illegal behavior and promote lawfulness through their daily activities.
Pereira—a Colombian city of half a million citizens—is in the heart of the country’s coffee growing region. Like many other urban environments, Pereira contends with widespread public security concerns and high unemployment. Local drug trafficking, underage prostitution and youth gang violence are among the city’s greatest challenges. Eager to find solutions, community leaders sought assistance from NSIC because of its culture of lawfulness work in other areas of the country.
In partnership with USAID and US foundations, the NSIC team introduced a culture of lawfulness vision that is positive and encouraging, with the potential to create tangible change. The team shared important lessons from similar and successful initiatives around the world. NSIC worked closely with municipal leaders to develop unique programs based on local history, customs, and culture.
Evaluations of the Pereira project found that it successfully influenced the rule of law knowledge and commitment throughout the city. Citizen perception of both government and civil society efforts to promote a lawful culture improved substantially. Importantly, the project led to a shift in individual perspectives on the need for police and citizens to work together to construct lawfulness—from crime prevention to victim assistance.
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