Notre Dame hosted a visit from a group from Colombia in South America, representing the indigenous Wiwa people, together with their CAFOD partners and Dr Ann Marie Mealey from Leeds Trinity University. Speaking through an interpreter, students heard about their ancient way of life and the threats they face as they try to protect their land and their children.
 | Edilma Loperena Plata is the Women's Commissioner of the Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkuanarrua Tayrona Organisation (OWYBT). She is a women's councillor for the Macronorte region of the ONIC, a defender of human rights and nature, which allows her to be an advocate and speak out about the climate emergency that is impacting the Wiwa peoples, and especially the women in particular. |
 | José Félix Martínez is the Secretary General of the Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkuanarrua Tayrona Organisation (OWYBT). He is an environmental engineer and member of the Board of Directors of the OWYBT. He has extensive knowledge of the armed conflict, climate and environmental emergencies, and protection of the territory. |
 | Jenny Ortiz works for CAFODs partner organisation CINEP/PP (a Colombian Jesuit organisation). She leads their Mobilisation, Human Rights and Interculturality Programme. She has accompanied the Wiwa people for more than ten years in processes of integral protection of life, investigating extractive impacts on the territory and the defence of human rights. |
A spokesperson from the group commented on how impressed they were with the engagement of Notre Dame students - 'We were really grateful to staff and students at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College for hosting the Wiwa peoples last week. It was a testament to the values that drive the mission of the College as well as evidence of the fact that the students are thinking ethically, globally and sustainably about how to live as a unified human family. It gives us great hope for the future of our world and of education more generally'.
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