Meeting of the Mexico Popular Education Network: A Network That Transforms and Builds Peace

From August 13 to 15, we gathered at Casa Xitla in Mexico City as the RSCJ Popular Education Network in Mexico, part of the Continental Network for Popular Education–JPIC.

We came from different regions and backgrounds: Iyolosiwa, from Cuanalá, Puebla; León, Guanajuato; San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí; and Ayutla, Guerrero; the “Caring for the Fabric of Life” Project, from León, Guanajuato; Comunidad Crece from Zapopan, Jalisco; and the Tijuana/San Diego Binational Project: “Bridges of Encounter and Hope” from Tijuana, Baja California. We were also joined by Socorro Guerrero, RSCJ, from Jocotepec, and Ruth Cunnings, RSCJ, from

Chicago, in the U.S.-Canada Province.

We were brought together by the desire to meet, recognize one another, and strengthen the bonds that unite us, but also to ask ourselves together how to continue living out a Popular Education committed to social transformation, human dignity, justice, and the strengthening of our communities. From the very beginning of its planning, the gathering was conceived as a space for dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and shared vision.

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Looking at Reality and Building Peace

We began by placing reality at the center. Lola Cendales and Santiago Gómez Obando, from Colombia, helped us return to the roots of Popular Education and examine its relevance in the face of the challenges in our contexts.

Peacebuilding was also a central theme in our reflection. Fr. Jorge Atilano González, S.J., shared tools and methodologies for building peace processes, which are being promoted throughout the country as part of the National Dialogue for Peace; and Rachel Guillen, R.S.C.J., invited us to join the “Artisans of Peace” initiative led by the international JPIC team and to register as ambassadors of peace. The initiative will be launched on September 21, as part of International Day of Peace.

Amid regions plagued by multiple forms of violence, we reaffirmed that education also means nurturing relationships, rebuilding the fabric of community, and paving the way for peace to become a reality.

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Recognizing Ourselves in What Each Project Builds

One of the most meaningful moments was sharing our experiences. Through colorful and eloquent “tents,” each project showcased life—with its achievements, difficulties, and practical challenges—emphasizing projects or actions in support of peace, as well as the role of popular education in public schools.

We confirmed that this is a very valuable space, not only for learning about what is being done in various places in response to local contexts, but also for creating potential connections between projects.

It was very meaningful to see how each experience has grown, taken root, and deepened over the years. At the same time, the presentation of the Tijuana project “Bridges of Encounter and Hope”—which began in January 2025 in collaboration with people in transit—was welcomed as a new development.

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We were able to learn more about the work of:

Iyolosiwa: With a presence in Puebla, León, San Luis Potosí, and Ayutla, Iyolosiwa shared the diverse experiences it carries out in each region. Learn more: https://www.iyolosiwa.org/“Cuidando el Tejido de la vida” Project: From León, Guanajuato, “Tejido de la vida” shared its experience and the educational and

peace-building processes it supports in schools. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/tejidodelavida.ipeac

Comunidad Crece: From Zapopan, Jalisco, they shared their educational and community experiences and all the work they are doing to promote peace. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/comcrece

Tijuana-San Diego Binational Project: Bridges of Encounter and Hope: From Tijuana, participants shared “Bridges of Encounter and Hope,” an initiative focused on supporting people on the move, with a particularly significant impact along the border. Learn more about the Tijuana Community: https://rscj.mx/quienes-somos/nuestras-comunidades/comunidad-tijuana/

A Shared Educational Mission

On the third day, we reflected on Popular Education within the formal education system, drawing on the experience shared by Eloísa Gómez, RSCJ, and Daniel Ferro from Argentina, who inspired us with their vision of a “happy school.”

This reflection helped us remember that Popular Education does not depend solely on where we work. It has to do with a way of educating: starting from reality, listening, engaging in dialogue, building together with others, and trusting in the capacity of individuals and communities to transform their world.

It is a conviction deeply linked to our educational mission and to the desire to continue responding creatively to the needs of each era.

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Continuing to Build the Network

As the gathering came to a close, we turned our gaze toward the future: Where are we headed? How do we move forward? The final day was dedicated to listening to the organizations, identifying what we need to move forward, and mapping out the Network’s path together.

We left with the desire to keep our connections alive, continue sharing experiences, and strengthen this shared space.

Perhaps one of the most important outcomes was reaffirming our shared educational mission—diverse in our regions and ways of making our presence felt, yet united by the desire to contribute to realities that are more humane, more fraternal, and more just.

From the Heart of Jesus, we want to continue committing to an education that listens and accompanies, that creates community and builds peace.

We are deeply grateful to each of the organizations that made this gathering possible and that, from their various regions, continue to breathe life into Popular Education.

Thank you also to the Province of Mexico for its support; to Iyolosiwa, for its willingness and collaboration; and to the entire organizing team for taking care of every detail during these days.

In particular, we thank Mayra Tepale for helping us document the experience through photographs and videos, and Noemí Escobar for compiling the complete report of the gathering, which will allow us to continue reflecting on and sharing what we experienced. To everyone, thank you for making this space for gathering, learning, and shared creation possible.

An education that continues to make hope possible.