'As long as I have a voice, oblivion will not cover you': the moving promise of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda's brother in a tribute in his name

The Gobernación de Antioquia has established the Mateo Pérez Rueda Journalism Scholarships, aimed at supporting 16 young individuals from areas affected by conflict in the department. The initiative was announced during a ceremony honoring the memory of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda, who was killed in an attack linked to the ongoing armed conflict in Colombia. His brother, Julián Pérez Rueda, delivered a heartfelt speech during the event, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring his sibling’s legacy endures through education and journalism. The scholarships program, named “Where a Story Was Silenced, New Voices Are Born,” seeks to provide training opportunities for youth living in the 55 municipalities designated under the PDET (Territorial Development Programs) and ZOMAC (Most Affected Areas by Armed Conflict) categories within Antioquia. These regions have been heavily impacted by decades of violence and instability. The initiative is designed not only to offer financial support but also to promote the democratization of information through formal education in digital journalism. Participants will undergo a ten-month training program totaling 768 hours, after which they will be certified as Technical Professionals in Digital Journalism. The program is supported by multiple institutions, including the Gobernación de Antioquia, the Corporación Gilberto Echeverri Mejía, Uniminuto University, Teleantioquia, and the Fundación Grupo El Colombiano. In addition to covering the full tuition costs, the scholarship includes a monthly stipend of 2.2 million Colombian pesos to assist with transportation and living expenses while students attend classes in Bello. Following their academic training, selected participants will gain practical experience through internships at influential local media outlets such as Teleantioquia and El Colombiano. Applications for the program opened on July 31, 2026, and will remain open until August 17, with classes set to begin on August 27. This timing aligns with the anniversary of Mateo Pérez Rueda's death, reinforcing the symbolic significance of the initiative. Julián Pérez Rueda, speaking at the launch event, expressed deep emotional resonance over the loss of his brother. He emphasized that the pain of losing a loved one does not end with the initial tragedy but continues to affect families long after. He urged against seeking revenge and instead called for honoring the values instilled in him by their parents, Carlos and Gloria, who taught them the importance of solidarity and community service. He described the creation of the scholarship as more than an educational opportunity, it is a human and social act of profound significance. He noted that while justice cannot bring back those lost, impunity effectively kills them twice. His words underscored the broader societal implications of the initiative, linking personal grief to national issues of security and accountability. Governor Andrés Julián of Antioquia highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding Mateo Pérez Rueda’s death, using it as a catalyst to address the persistent challenges related to public safety in Colombia. He expressed hope that the scholarships would inspire future generations of journalists and contribute to building a safer, more informed society. The initiative reflects a collective effort to transform collective mourning into tangible action. By investing in young voices from conflict-ridden areas, the program aims to ensure that the legacy of Mateo Pérez Rueda lives on through the empowerment of new journalistic talents. The scholarships will officially commence on August 27, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both individual and communal healing.