La comunidad de 20 de julio- La Mancolona en el estado de Campeche, México en 2019 tomó la decisión de adoptar un nuevo modelo de integración comunitaria, que contempla el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la comunicación (TIC) como instrumento para el desarrollo y la defensa de su territorio. Desde entonces el Centro de Fortalecimiento de los derechos indígenas (CEFO) y el Consejo Regional Indígena y Popular de Xpujil (CRIPX) han acompañado este proceso, mediante la instalación de un equipo de internet saIn 2019 the community of July 20- La Mancolona in the state of Campeche, Mexico established a new integration model, which contemplates using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a key instrument for the development and defense of its territory. Since then, the Center for the Strengthening of Indigenous Rights (CEFO) and the Regional Indigenous and Popular Council of Xpujil (CRIPX) have accompanied their process by installing satellite internet equipment, with the support of the telecommunications company HUGHESNET; a 120 kW photovoltaic system and a series of technical, technological and administrative training. These efforts came to life on May 7, 2022, during the inauguration of the Community Learning Center- La Mancolona (CCA).
The Mancolona CCA has positioned itself as a place of gathering, where several workshops and meetings take place regularly to improve the quality of life of the community. Thus, on July 11, 2022, the first children’s and youth workshop about substance abuse took place. Which aimed to increase awareness about how illicit substances affect their lives, families, and community. Likewise, a community film night took place on July 17, 2022. Both films were suitable for the whole family. In addition, they encouraged the discussion of relevant issues such as gender equality, children’s rights, the recovery of the Maya language, and their territory defense. The CCA has also contributed to improving access, use, and appropriation of ICT. Some of the most recent accomplishments are the photographic record of cultural practices such as the consumption of Ztas, the celebration of the seed festival, the marimba, and beekeeping. In the following weeks, we will begin collecting life stories, oral accounts, and interviews for their preservation in CFO’s digital hub.
Lastly, we are pleased to announce that the CCA staff has a new member. Sebastian Moreno. Who joins the CEFO team as a social communicator and head of the CCA-Mancolona. Sebastian, an industrial engineering student at the National Distance Education University (UNED-Mexico), is versed in managing computer systems, digital platforms, online procedures, and distance education processes. Moreover, the installation of three desktop computers, thanks to the support of Nicolás Arcos, project coordinator and member of CRIPX, has contributed to reducing the digital divide in the community, allowing more and more people to access the center’s services.
It is also worth mentioning the great support of the local authorities, such as the commissioner Gloria Moreno, the CCA committee, the members and delegates of the CRIPX, among them Juanita Hernández. Alejandro Estrella, Guillermina Hernández Bartolo, Nicolás Moreno, Aurora Pérez, among many others. As well as the tireless partners of CRIPX Nicolas Arcos, Bryan Arizmendi, Bartolo López, Rommel González and Edith Landa, without whom this project would not be possible. If you want to know more about the CCA Mancolona or laborate with us, please contact us, at: mhernandez@equitableorigin.org. We will gladly attend to any concernss For more info please follow our social media accounts: @EquitableOrigin @CEFOIndigena. With this, you help us keep #MancolonaConnected.udas a mantener #MancolonaConectada.