The CINEP, Center for Research and Popular Education, is a non-governmental organization committed to the social, economic and political transformation of Colombia based on the most deprived, organized sectors of society. CINEP considers these sectors to be important agents of the construction of a new society. Their participation in fundamental decisions on issues, which concern them, is a guarantee of change in Colombian society. Ever since its creation by the Society of Jesus in 1962, CINEP has endeavored to combine direct work with the community with social research. CINEP�s projects comprise three main programs: A Program to Strengthen Civil Society, which seeks the consolidation of a State which guarantees Human Rights and is capable of mediating in social conflicts. An Alternative Social Development and Welfare Program, aimed at promoting the construction of a more egalitarian society, and the generation of alternative development experiences which can be replicated. And the CINEP 2000-2002 Program, which seeks to develop an integrative peace strategy which is linked to sustainable development, the defense of Human Rights, the widening of social and political democracy, and the consolidation of cultural values which allow the establishment of relations between the two genders based on equality, and a solution to conflicts through negotiation. These programs are implemented through the carrying out of projects relating to political solutions to conflicts, citizens� participation, development policies, the training of community educators and other activities in the field of community education.