Elisa Diaz has helped shape the program work of terre des hommes schweiz in Colombia for almost two decades as national coordinator. Now the experienced psychologist is about to retire. But that doesn’t mean she’s about to rest.
What motivated you to join terre des hommes schweiz back then?
Elisa Diaz: I was already involved as a catechist in a poor neighborhood in Bogotá at the age of 12. As a teenager, I was active in youth groups, women’s networks and social movements. These experiences led me to study psychology. I always wanted to work for a world without social injustice, exploitation, violence and wars and at the same time grow personally. When I joined terre des hommes schweiz in 2007, it was a unique opportunity and challenge for me, both professionally and personally.
The armed conflict shaped society in Colombia. How does this context influence psychosocial work with young people?
Decades of violence and oppression have left deep traces in the collective and individual memory, but also in people’s bodies. That is why we are looking for methods to support young people holistically. Our approach is the “psychology of liberation” according to Martín Baró. In practice, we combine psychosocial methods, body-oriented working methods and strengthen the resources of the young people through the solution-focused approach (SFA). One aim of our work is also for them to help each other. In this way, we promote their self-empowerment and ability to act in conflict-laden situations.
What are the challenges that have arisen from working with young people?
One challenge was to understand the young people’s new ways of thinking and to grasp their diversity. Some come from rural areas, others from poorer urban neighborhoods; some are African-American, some are football fans, others are artists. The dynamics of how the young people move and engage within the projects are influenced by their living conditions. These are often characterized by few opportunities and a lot of violence.
Are there any experiences that have particularly inspired you and will remain in your memory?
Yes, it fills me with joy that today many young people have been able to complete their vocational training with the support of our partner organizations. I have been particularly moved by the personal development of young participants who have themselves become leaders in these organizations and are now active as project coordinators, for example. I also see the organizational strengthening of our partner organizations as a great success.
What message would you like to pass on to your professional colleagues?
Opens the spectrum of the psychosocial towards a liberating, political, holistic and integral vision that allows the subjective, intersubjective and symbolic worlds to be united as a field in constant construction.
…and the young people?
Never lose your essence, your passion, creativity and the ability to believe in what you do – as well as in your dreams and projects, whether as individuals or in the community.
You will be retiring at the end of the year. Do you have any dreams and projects for this new phase?
I want to spend more time developing the alternative therapies I have been training in. I will continue to facilitate psychosocial workshops for various community groups and plan to offer psychosocial counseling to organizations.
