Empower 1,200 Mayan girls and youth from Chiapas

This report describes the activities carried out between March and June 2026 in the community of Plan de Ayala, Municipality of Las Margaritas, Chiapas. The actions implemented focused on strengthening socio-emotional skills, risk prevention, and youth leadership, contributing to the exercise of rights and the holistic development of Indigenous adolescents and young people.

MUNICIPALITY OF LAS MARGARITAS

Plan de Ayala Community

During this period, educational and participatory processes were promoted to support personal development, school retention, and youth engagement. These activities encouraged young people to strengthen their decision-making skills and develop collective initiatives that benefit their community.

SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Vocational Guidance

In March 2026, a vocational guidance workshop was completed with sixth-semester students from COBACH 164 in Plan de Ayala. Through participatory activities and reflection spaces, students explored their personal goals, interests, and abilities, strengthening their capacity to make informed decisions regarding higher education and future career paths.

The process was supported by the school's educational counselor, whose involvement helped provide close guidance and encouragement for students to continue their academic journey and explore educational opportunities aligned with their aspirations.

A total of 21 students participated (11 young women and 10 young men).

Healthy Habits and Addiction Prevention

In April 2026, a series of healthy habits workshops were conducted at Telesecundaria No. 678 “Emiliano Zapata Salazar” for third-grade students. The sessions encouraged reflection on protective factors and risks associated with substance use while strengthening knowledge and self-care skills.

As a closing activity, students participated in the creative initiative “A Little Bird Told Me,” through which they designed prevention-themed posters and displayed them throughout the school. This activity reinforced the lessons learned and contributed to creating a school environment that promotes prevention, awareness, and well-being.

A total of 49 students participated (21 young women and 28 young men).

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Between April and May 2026, two youth initiatives were created and supported at COBACH 164 in Plan de Ayala. These groups provided opportunities for young people to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and community participation skills through the design and implementation of projects led by the youth themselves.

Youth Initiative “Trazos Libres” (Free Strokes)

This initiative was made up of five young people (2 young women and 3 young men) who participated in training sessions on gender and identity. As a result, they developed a collective mural representing key elements of their community and the concept of Lekil Kuxlejal, promoting cultural identity and community cohesion.

Youth Initiative “Semillas de Cambio” (Seeds of Change)

This initiative was made up of five young people (3 young women and 2 young men) who received training on emotional management. As a result of this process, participants designed a visual awareness campaign through posters focused on emotional well-being and environmental stewardship, promoting both personal wellness and community responsibility.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The activities implemented during this period contributed to strengthening the personal and collective capacities of adolescents and young people in the community of Plan de Ayala.

The vocational guidance process enabled students to reflect on their academic and professional goals, increasing their motivation to continue their studies and expand their future opportunities.

Likewise, the healthy habits workshops enhanced participants’ understanding of the risks associated with substance use while promoting self-care practices and generating awareness activities within the school community.

Finally, the youth initiatives created meaningful spaces for active participation where young people put leadership, organization, and teamwork skills into practice. Through their projects, they contributed to strengthening cultural identity, emotional well-being, and community engagement.

Together, these actions continue to empower Indigenous youth with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to actively participate in their communities and build positive futures for themselves and their peers.

Links:

• CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE