The Bií Hioxo wind farm, in collaboration with the Nacanu’ Bií Community Centre, conducts activities in Oaxaca, Mexico, that benefit the local community as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of GPG Mexico.
This project encompasses different activities benefiting the community, this spring course being one of them. Beyond merely providing entertainment, the aim is for children to learn to coexist with people from diverse backgrounds, which helps them to understand and respect different ways of thinking and acting.
This course is presented as an essential tool for shaping future change leaders from a young age.
Last Monday, 1 April , the spring course for children and adolescents aged 6 to 12 kicked off. The course had 64 children in attendance, (5 of which were family members) as well as 16 “Xquendas” volunteers, 17 parents. The event brought together a total of 98 participants at the Santa Martha Children’s Recreational Centre (CRI) in District Seven;
The main theme of the second edition of the course was Health and Sport, thereby encouraging the practice of physical and sports activities as part of a healthy lifestyle. This initiative intends to promote physical activity and outdoor engagement among children, discouraging excessive screen time.
The workshops included:
- Adapted sports such as Kickball, Handball and Throwball
- A vertical garden workshop
- A debate on cinema
- Making bracelets
- A shadows and mime theatre
- Reading of stories promoting positive values
- Outdoor activities with music and water games
- A mini-fair
The event concluded on Friday, 5 April, with participants showcasing their newly acquired skills from the workshops to the tutors and other people present. The event was concluded with an interactive mini-fair where everyone could partake in games and activities, fostering family bonding and encouraging the social development of the children.
The benefits of the course included the acquisition of values, enhanced interaction with other children, decision-making abilities, development of new physical and artistic skills, increased sociability and extroversion, collaboration and teamwork, as well as the ability to adapt to new challenges and environments.
It is imporant to note that Civil Protection support was provided throughout the week to ensure the safety of the children and to offer assistance in the event of any accidents.
All these activities took place over the course of a week, giving the children the chance to engage in sports, enjoy recreational activities, and learn from cultural and musical offerings during their holidays.
Water activities were highlighted for their physical, cognitive, social, and sensory stimulation, ideal for strengthening and developing various aspects of social intelligence while also providing enjoyment and relaxation associated with water.
Some feedback from attendees:
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone here, as Nacanu’ Bií has become a home for us. I also extend my thanks to the coordinators for reaching out to CONALEP (the National College of Technical Professional Education). We are on our way to becoming community leaders; it might not happen overnight, but by contributing our own small part, we can gradually change the community little by little.” Brian Barajas, Xquenda Volunteer
“When I visited the Community Centre, I was impressed by it and was warmly welcomed into their activities and as a member of the Xquendas, despite my age. It’s not often that someone is so welcoming, especially to someone older, and that’s really commendable on their part. I’ll keep participating in future activities.” Jorge Gómez, Xquenda Volunteer
“There are several points I’d like to mention: the first is that this is the first time I’ve been part of a course, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know I can guide the children and that they listen to me when I offer guidance. I’m also grateful to all of you, the coordinators, for placing your trust in me to become a Xquenda, for teaching me the patience required when working with children, and for the opportunity to carry out these activities for their benefit.” Irán Martínez, Xquenda Volunteer
“It’s very positive that there is an effort to engage children in sports because at that age, they are susceptible to the temptations of drugs and other harmful behaviours.” Jorge, resident of Santa Martha
“Are these activities held every year? What you’re doing is really important, particularly for the children: it energises them, instils values, and rather than spending all their time on their phones, they take this wonderful opportunity to further their development. If this is an annual event, we’ll be there to offer our support,” the Civil Protection personnel said.
