History
The institution dates back to 1944 when the Colombian Catholic Church organized the National Coordination for Social Action, whose work focused on educating leaders, and providing consulting, for such organizations as the Colombian Workers Union (Unión de Trabajadores de Colombia - UTC), the National Agrarian Federation (Federación Agraria Nacional - FANAL), the National Cooperative Union (Unión Cooperativa Nacional – UCONAL) and the Colombian Youth Worker (Juventud Trabajadora Colombiana – JTC). In the 1960’s, the Society of Jesus sent Jesuits to be specialized in socio-economic and political affairs. During this time, the first research dissertations were published by the Center for Investigation and Social Action.
On May 30, 1972, the Center for Investigation and Social Action (CIAS) was established with the objective of “transforming the perspective and structure of Colombian society towards greater sense for social justice, by way of research, teaching, and action integrated and inspired by a Christian vision of man.”
In 1976, CIAS changed its name to the Center for Investigation and Popular Education (CINEP), and established itself as a non-profit foundation. In terms of Colombia’s complex socio-political situation, the Center specifically decided to work for a more humane and equitable society, especially in the field of popular education, by way of transforming perspectives and structures towards a sense for social justice.
Due to the social and armed conflict presently existing in Colombia, CINEP has been re-orienting its original popular education approach –comprehensive development for the poor and excluded- to that of defending human rights, and not only civil rights, but economic, social and cultural rights as well.
CINEP has an extensive background in the following areas:
- Communication and Culture
- Human Rights
- Economics and Development
- Education
- State, Politics and Civil Society
- Gender
- Environment
- Social Mobilization
- Faith, Church and Society
- Conflict Resolution and Peace
- Types of Violence and Armed Political Conflict
