I am (Yo soy); Puebla

The Yo Soy (I am) project was implemented in semi-urban communities in Puebla to support girls and adolescents living in highly vulnerable contexts marked by family dysfunction, domestic violence, and lack of affection or affirmation. Many of the participants faced emotional fragility, poor nutrition, and early household responsibilities that hindered their academic and personal development. In these environments, educational and personal growth opportunities for girls are scarce, and issues such as gender inequality, low self-esteem, and violence are prevalent. To counter this, the project offered a wide range of educational and artistic workshops designed to nurture self-awareness, creativity, and confidence.

Activities included cartonería mexicana (traditional papier-mâché art), ceramics, painting, drawing, storytelling (Yo Soy book), group games, peace dances, and sessions on human rights and peaceful coexistence. Additional initiatives such as Amo a mi planeta (I Love My Planet) and Ofrenda del Día de Muertos (All Saints day) were also introduced, fostering environmental awareness and cultural identity. Collaboration with local schools, municipalities, and cultural centres enabled broad participation and community visibility.

Through these activities, 850 girls and adolescents from two primary and two secondary schools engaged actively, often showing enthusiasm and commitment beyond expectations. The workshops became safe spaces for expression and socialisation, encouraging participants to leave their homes, reduce isolation, and focus on creative learning instead of social media. Exhibiting their artworks in public spaces significantly increased their self-esteem and sense of pride. Participants developed greater self-confidence, emotional awareness, and an emerging recognition of their ability to influence cultural change. Boys were also included in gender equality activities, promoting mutual respect and inclusion. The girls’ interpersonal relationships improved, their motivation for study grew, and many began envisioning lives free from violence. They learned to value themselves and their peers, recognising their capacity to build peaceful and harmonious relationships. Despite ongoing challenges such as domestic violence and cultural inequalities, the project demonstrated that through art, dialogue, and collective action, it is possible to restore dignity and empower young women to become agents of change in their communities.

People being served : Children and Young People

Age group : Children 0-17

Number of participants : None

Project status : Completed

Society presence : Mexico

Focus of the project : Social inclusion / reintegration

JPIC Imperative : Transforming and Being Transformed

UN Sustainable Development Goals :