Peace Makers and Problem Solvers 2025: Youth Leading Change Across Borders

Luz Angela G.
Feb 23
3 min read

The Peace Makers and Problem Solvers (PMPS) program, designed by the Marshall Legacy Institute, continued in 2025 as a dynamic leadership and intercultural exchange initiative connecting youth in the United States and Colombia. Through experiential learning and real-life application, the program empowers students to become active agents of change, addressing social challenges and creating positive impact within their communities.

The 2025 cycle launched in March with participation from three schools: the long-standing U.S. partner Poolesville High School and two schools in the Urabá sub-region of Antioquia, Colombia: Diocesano Laura Montoya School and Celestino Diaz School.

In total, 35 students participated—23 in Colombia and 12 in the United States—supported by five teachers (four in Colombia and one in the U.S.). Colombian educators were part of the Enseña por Colombia, part of the global Teach For All network, which works to advance educational equity by recruiting and training teachers for underserved communities.

Student-led community action

Throughout the program, students connected through virtual exchange to learn about each other and their communities. Through these interactions, participants explored the social issues affecting their contexts and shared ideas and actions to address them collaboratively. The experience strengthened mutual understanding, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship while encouraging students to become active changemakers in their own communities. Additionally, students developed community-based projects focused on socio-emotional learning, environmental awareness, and civic engagement. The 2025 cycle strengthened cross-cultural collaboration while demonstrating meaningful, student-led impact at the local level in both countries.

Colombian Initiatives

Celebrating Local Identity, Biodiversity and Culture: Students at Celestino Díaz School began creating a collectible sticker album featuring photographs of local biodiversity and cultural traditions, accompanied by a series of community podcasts. These initiatives aim to share knowledge, foster a sense of belonging, strengthen community ties, and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors. The project is expected to benefit both the school and the broader community and will continue through the current semester.

Socio-Emotional Stability and Student Well-Being: At Diocesano Laura Montoya School, students revived a previously inactive initiative to promote socio-emotional well-being. They delivered structured sessions to sixth-grade students, reaching more than 50 beneficiaries, and adapted a dedicated room equipped with tools and playful activities to support emotional health. The space is now available to students and teachers across grade levels, reinforcing long-term support for well-being within the school community.

U.S. Initiatives

Community Impact Through Student Leadership: Twelve students from Poolesville High School implemented community service projects aligned with PMPS priorities of civic engagement, environmental responsibility, and community well-being. Activities included labeling storm drains to help protect the Chesapeake Bay, producing catnip toys for local animal shelters, and organizing a towel drive to support a nearby animal hospital. All initiatives were completed as planned and demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork, and commitment to community service.

The 2025 PMPS cycle highlighted the power of youth collaboration across cultures. By equipping students with leadership skills and opportunities for real-world action, the program fostered practical learning, strengthened community connections, and reinforced the role of young people as drivers of positive social change in both Colombia and the United States.