The Nacanu ´Bií community house (Nacanu ´Bií means “we are wind” in the Zapotec language), is located in Juchitán, Oaxaca, in the vicinity of the Bií Hioxo wind farm. In August, it completed one year since its opening.
In its first year of activity, social ties with the community have been reinforced: residents of the 7th Section, educational institutions (primary, secondary, baccalaureate schools, the Institute of Higher Studies of Tehuantepec) and different organisations, which in co-responsibility with the Laanu social management team (“we” in Zapotec) carried out activities, workshops and training, focused on complying with the principles of our Social Relationship Model.
To celebrate the anniversary, activities focused on human development, the environment, health and sport, culture and education were held during the week of 21- 25th August.
The activities that took place were:
- Monday 21 August: Workshop on “Self-love and self-esteem” given by Nacanu’Bií coordinator Saydy Meliza Manuel Villalobos
- Tuesday 22 August: Workshop on “The importance of the environment”, in conjunction with the “Julio Bustillo Cacho” Environmental Education Centre, given by the biologist Eduardo Martínez Noriega
- Wednesday 23 August: Prevention Day – Glucose intake, blood pressure and oral health, in association with the Instituto de Estudios Superiores del Istmo de Tehuantepec (IESIT) (Institute of Higher Studies of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec)
- Thursday 24 August: Lightning soccer and cachibol (similar to volleyball) tournament, in conjunction with Camp Santa Martha and with the participation of Civil Protection paramedics.
To complete the cycle of activities, a cultural event was planned for Friday, 25 August, presenting traditional music and dances, poetry, songs and projects of Nacanu’ Bií that have been developed during this first year.
The event involved local artists such as the folk singer Jared López Toledo, the singer Reyna Leticia Valencia Sánchez and the group “JuchiRap”, as well as the Dance Club ofrom the No. 103 School
The projects that have been developed in the first year of activities of the community house include:
- JuchiHuini (children from Juchitán): a group of 7 children aged 6 to 9 who perform rap in Zapotec and Spanish.
- Dance club: group of 10 children aged 6 to 14 who dance to traditional songs from the Isthmus of the Tehuantepec region.
- Artisans: a group of 8 entrepreneurs aged 40 to 60 from the Seventh Section who are engaged in the production of hand crafted products.
- Xquendas (“souls” in Zapotec): a group of 16 volunteers aged 13 to 18 who participate in different activities, such as summer courses, music workshops, dance, reading promotion, teaching and learning Zapotec, and other activities.
Over 300 individuals participated in the week-long activities, engaging in workshops, talks, sports events, and actively contributing to the revitalisation of the local economy.
Here are some comments from the participants:
“Very nice, I enjoyed the whole event, I was fascinated by everything, if there were more of these events here in the Seventh, a lot would change, because there is a lot of talent here.” (Benita Jiménez López, resident of the Santa Martha camp).
“It went very well, thankfully I made some sales and I some people placed some orders. I loved the whole event and the fact that the children took part, I am grateful to the Bií Hioxo wind farm and Nacanu’ Bií for inviting me.” (Jazmín Molina Vásquez, Huipil handcraft entrepreneur.
“I didn’t know about this place before. I had heard announcements about this community house over the loudspeakers, but I didn’t really pay much attention to it. Now, I regret not coming sooner. I hope that more people like me are inspired to come and witness the incredible work being done here for the benefit of the community.” (Héctor Vásquez López, father).
“I ended up selling all my products, I hope they have another event soon and we’ll be there”. (Cecilia Regalado Vásquez, artisan entrepreneur from Bupu).
“It was a great event, particularly because so many people are interested in changing the community. If this type of event or activity becomes a regular occurrence in different places, Juchitán would be very different.” (Silvia Sánchez Cuevas, visitor).
