The history of Colombian handicrafts dates back to the Stone Age and the lithic instruments in El Abra stadial. One of the first pottery samples has been found in Zipacón settlements in Neolithic III. The earliest examples of goldwork date from around 325 BCE and are from the Tumaco people from the Pacific coast.
During the 16th century, gold played a pivotal role in luring the Spanish to the area now known as Colombia. Traditional crafts for peacebuilding can be safeguarded by developing systems to prevent the weakening of traditional crafts through the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, which is based on "learning by doing.
As a method of influencing the improvement of the living conditions of teachers, schools, and student apprentices in their territory by valuing cultural heritage, the Strategy for the Safeguarding of Traditional Crafts for Peacebuilding was recognized which contributes to building peace in other countries and promotes the sustainability of communities.
This safeguarding strategy aims to address the weakening of traditional crafts through an intergenerational system of knowledge transmission between master and apprentice based on the non-formal learning by doing method. It aims to provide training to different sectors of the population, forge labor connections, and nurture cultural entrepreneurship.
It links traditional crafters recognized by their communities as knowledgeable about their region's peculiarities with apprentices between the ages of fourteen and thirty-five who can learn a craft or skill to become builders of peace, and who seek to change their situation of vulnerability by learning these skills or crafts. Training is combined with work, which ensures apprentices' future employment. Moreover, the strategy aims at training different sectors of the population, establishing labor connections, and promoting entrepreneurship, with priority given to apprentices living in vulnerable circumstances.
As a result, the safeguarding strategy centers on enhancing the Workshop Schools Programme and ensuring that traditional crafts are qualified and practiced and that the Traditional Crafts Policy is implemented to guide and ensure continuity. Priority is given to young people who have been affected by armed conflict, education desertion, and unemployment.
In addition to training, apprentices are provided with work, ensuring their future employability. Thus, the strategy aims to safeguard traditional skills and crafts as tools for cultural entrepreneurship and social inclusion. In turn, the community recognizes the value of maintaining different traditional skills and crafts.