This project aims to contribute to the strengthening and preservation of Tsotsil language, through the articulation of a group of young tsotsil artists who, through podcasts, share their experiences, knowledge, concerns and opinions, which can be shared through local radio systems and of course, internet. Everyone is an expert in their own native tongue. Therefore, it is very important to actively involve tsotsil young people in this process.
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Chenalho, Mitontic & Chalchihuitán
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The project aims to empower Tsotsil speakers and to create spaces for Tsotsil dissemination. We have a thematic proposal for creating the podcasts (news, oral traditions, community problems, tongue twisters, jokes, poems, etc.) but we know that to get young people excited and involved in the project, should be them the ones to propose topics that will be addressed during the project. This is their project, we are just a support for them.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
Currently, we are developing with the WK Kellogg Foundation’s help, a program in several municipalities, where young people develop activities as proposed in this project. Also, we collaborate with Mozilla in translating the Firefox to Tsotsil and we have a wide network of partners with whom we are developing various educational materials in tsotsil. We hope to begin the coordination of a network of young Tsotsil radio and tv as soon as possible.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
In first place, the project includes working with at least 100 youths from different municipalities, providing training on how to produce podcasts. In its 2nd phase, the project seeks to select a group of at least 15 young designers to produce podcasts. Convene youth to participate is simple because we had worked with them for the last 5 years, which has allowed us to create a network of collaboration and trust strong enough.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
Undoubtedly, it is helpful for us if you can linkage us to international actors who may be interested to join the project and to enrich and expand its scope. Besides, any learning material is very helpfully.
Organization
Proyecto DIFA Alternativas y Actualización A.C.