At Sembrandopaz, we describe our work through the metaphor of a bird flying toward the Cultivation of Peace.
The head symbolizes leadership, guiding the vision of integral peace.
Its two wings—Political Culture and Economy for Good Living—balance democracy, human rights, and restorative justice with sustainable economic, environmental, and productive initiatives.
The bird’s feet are our practice models at Villa Bárbara Experimental Farm and the Morrocoy Nature Reserve, where peacebuilding becomes tangible and replicable.
The tail represents our administration, stabilizing the organization through finances, alliances, and communications.
The body holds our identity—values, ethics, art, spirituality, and cycles of reflection and action—that ensure integrity in all we do.
Ethics and Spirituality
Sembrandopaz’s work is rooted in respect for individuals, communities, and diversity. Ethics means upholding human dignity beyond politics or social conventions, while spirituality is seen as awareness of our interconnection, not limited to religion. Through tolerance, humility, and listening, Sembrandopaz cultivates trust and respect with the communities it accompanies.
Art and Esthetics
Art runs through all our work, from murals, theater, music, and weaving to crafts made from recycled materials. It expresses both the wounds of war and the hope of reconciliation, while also generating income and environmental awareness among women and youth.
Learn by Doing
We follow a cycle of action and reflection, learning by doing. Over 20 years, each attempt—whether success or mistake—has strengthened our peacebuilding practice. By taking risks and learning from missteps, we walk alongside communities in building more sustainable and participatory processes.
“We are a small community, a network of affection that, like a candle in the wind, struggles to sustain itself amid this terrible storm of violence and injustice that affects our territory.”
“Hope is seen and understood by making paths together.”
– Ricardo Esquivia, Founder and Director, Sembrandopaz