In 2019 a group was formed of enthusiastic young people who wanted to see a change in their community. They called themselves “Voluntarios Xquendas”.
This name is written in Zapotec and in Spanish (Xquendas means “Soul” and Voluntarios means “Volunteers” respectively, alluding to the essence that each one brings to their environment.
On 2 June, a trip to the Ojo de Agua beach resort in Magdalena Tlacotepec (Oaxaca) was organised by the project coordinators, who invited the Xquendas to organise themselves around the theme of “Fiesta de Colores” (Festival of Colours). Each person chose a colour at random and had to bring “something to share”, such as fried food, water, fruit or soft drinks of the chosen colour, doing this as a form of co-responsibility with their colleagues.
After having enjoyed breakfast, they waited a few minutes while the food was digesting before going into the natural pools, where they played water games such as “water volleyball and water wars”. Before ending with the activities, aquatic games to encourage teamwork were organised, forming subgroups in order to not only interact with the water, but also to improve social bonds within the volunteers, strengthening bonds of friendship, companionship and empathy, and above all, making them feel part of the group as a family.
It is important to highlight the participation of Yessica Ríos Martínez (Owner Management Technician) for her outstanding work as a corporate volunteer at the Nacanu’ Bií Community House, as well as María Castillo Alonso (General Services), who dedicate part of their personal time to the various activities that take place after their working hours.
Through these activities, GPG Mexico, motivates and promotes the relationship with young people as future agents of change in their own community.