This allows the diverse group of participants the opportunity to address difficult problems together and apply alternative solutions to the challenges facing Salvadoran society. Each session of the course typically begins with a plenary conference in which a diverse group of international and national experts present differing views on the given topic. This is followed by a question and answer period and then a brief break for dinner, where the participants can interact informally. After the break, they divide into four working groups to analyze and debate the presentations as well as present their own distinct views. At the end of the session, they reconvene in a plenary forum to discuss and debate the findings of the working groups.
Participants learn as much from one another as they do from the guest speakers.
The ultimate success of peace and democracy in El Salvador depends on the ability of the different sectors of society to communicate more effectively, and, at the very minimum, to listen to, understand and tolerate opposing viewpoints. It is but one mechanism among countless that are needed to strengthen civil society and sustain the process of peace and reconciliation in El Salvador. It does, however, strive to provide an environment conducive to modifying attitudes. Although attitudinal changes are difficult to measure, there have been some tangible and positive results. One piece of anecdotal evidence is particularly moving.