New Study Reveals Effective Methodology for Reintegrating Former Combatants into Community Life

Research published by the School of Business Administration, Fundacion Universitaria Los Libertadores, in collaboration with Ministerio De Ciencia, TecnologiA E InnovacioN De Colombia, has found significant improvements in areas such as Social Awareness, Social Innovation, and Scientific Thinking among 49 women signatories of the Peace Agreement in Colombia. The study evaluated the impact of the SEL4C methodology, a participatory training process focused on innovation, sustainability, and community transformation, on strengthening key competencies in Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Complex Thinking.

Key Takeaways:

• The SEL4C methodology effectively enhanced leadership skills and the ability to address systemic challenges, crucial for successful reintegration of former combatants.
• The study found significant improvements in Social Awareness, Social Innovation, and Scientific Thinking among 49 women signatories of the Peace Agreement in Colombia.
• The methodology showed moderate gains in Complex Thinking, but the results support its use by organizations working in peacebuilding, educational institutions, and public programs that seek to empower women in vulnerable contexts.
• The study's findings support the use of SEL4C in promoting social cohesion and empowering local leadership in post-conflict societies.
• The participation of Jose Carlos Vazquez-Parra, Gloria Clemencia Valencia-Gonzalez, and Luis Guillermo Restrepo-Jaramillo as authors of the study adds credibility to the research.
• The research indicates that educational strategies that foster Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Complex Thinking are essential tools in reintegrating former combatants into community life.
• The study's results have implications for the development of effective peacebuilding strategies that address the needs of women in vulnerable contexts.

Statistics:

• 49 women signatories of the Peace Agreement in Colombia participated in the study.
• The SEL4C methodology showed significant improvements in areas such as Social Awareness and Social Innovation.
• The study found moderate gains in Complex Thinking among the participants.
• The research has implications for the development of effective peacebuilding strategies that address the needs of women in vulnerable contexts.

Sources:

• Innovation and Resignification: Social Entrepreneurship for Reincorporating Women into Peace Communities. Administrative Sciences, 2025,15(7):245.
• Ministerio De Ciencia, TecnologiA E InnovacioN De Colombia.
• School of Business Administration, Fundacion Universitaria Los Libertadores.
• Luz Elena Malagon-Castro, School of Business Administration, Fundacion Universitaria Los Libertadores.
• Jose Carlos Vazquez-Parra, Gloria Clemencia Valencia-Gonzalez, and Luis Guillermo Restrepo-Jaramillo, authors of the study.