Team and organizations involved
Our international team includes photojournalists, filmmakers, writers, artists, designers, printers, programmers, educators, aid workers, social researchers, and explorers of all kinds.
Irene Aragona / Partnerships
Alessandro Carli / Journalistic services
Concetta Ferrario / Graphics
Ombretta Moschella Koné / Events
Claudio Maria Lerario / Photographer
Dorin Mihai / Photographer
Massimo Modesti / Anthropology
Maria Pacelli / Science + technology
Ubaldo Samuelli / Designer
Amlaku Yaregal Teshome / Logistic
Warren Sare / Photographer
Ricardo Vidargas / Photographer
Giulia Zhang / Photographer + Linguist
Regarding our partners, we’ve turned what some might see as a weakness into a strength: we are small, always on the move, and deeply engaged in the field. With limited resources for administration, bureaucracy, or endless meetings, we operate like a pirate ship, valuing action over words. Recognizing our limits, we actively seek partnerships — like with Somos — that expand our knowledge and amplify our impact.
Clemente Peneleu Navichoc
Father Clemente Peneleu Navichoc is not only an inspiring spiritual leader but also a guardian of Indigenous rights in Guatemala.
As one of the key minds behind the Plan Nacional de la Pastoral Indígena, Father Clemente has been a beacon of hope and resistance for the Maya communities, tirelessly advocating for their self-determination and dignity.
His life’s work has been dedicated to empowering Indigenous peoples, whether through education, supporting local farmers, or promoting sustainable development in marginalized areas.
Born in 1957 in San Pedro la Laguna, Father Clemente grew up witnessing the challenges his community faced.
After his ordination as a priest in 1986, he became one of the courageous clergy who fought against the oppressive Guatemalan dictatorship, risking his life to protect Indigenous rights during one of the most turbulent periods in the country’s history.
Beyond his spiritual duties, Father Clemente has been an unyielding force in defending the Maya people’s cultural heritage, helping to create schools, uplift small-scale producers, and ensure the preservation of their traditions.
His involvement with SOMOS is much more than symbolic: behind him stands an entire movement of passionate individuals committed to Indigenous rights. These courageous men and women, many of whom have fought perilous battles, will be crucial allies, guiding and protecting the SOMOS project as it works alongside the Maya.
Father Clemente embodies the spirit of collective struggle and hope, and through him, Ayzoh! has found not just a partner, but a powerful movement that believes in the transformative power of solidarity.
He reminds us that the fight for Indigenous dignity is not only local but universal, and that true progress lies in the hands of those who work for justice, no matter the risks.
Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende
For over 70 years, the Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende has been a beacon of education, culture, and social cohesion.
As one of the most dynamic cultural hubs in Mexico, the library serves its community with a diverse range of programs, from literacy initiatives and scholarships to artistic performances and community workshops.
Their mission is deeply rooted in the promotion of knowledge, creativity, and social inclusion for the people of San Miguel and its surrounding areas.
Housed in a beautiful and welcoming space, the Biblioteca offers not only a wealth of knowledge but also a vibrant community environment.
Its iconic theater hosts numerous events throughout the year, from concerts and plays to lectures and film screenings, while the cafeteria serves delicious traditional Mexican dishes.
The library features various reading rooms, each tailored to different languages and age groups, as well as a spacious patio where visitors can sit, read, use the free Wi-Fi, chat with friends, or even make new connections.
Beyond its physical space, the Biblioteca plays a significant social role, extending its reach to marginalized and indigenous communities outside of San Miguel de Allende.
Through school visits, literacy programs, and scholarships, the library ensures that even those in rural and underserved areas have access to educational resources and opportunities for personal growth.
Their collaboration with Ayzoh! and the Somos project amplifies their impact, uniting a shared vision of empowering marginalized communities through storytelling and education.
As a key partner, the Biblioteca plays an essential role in supporting Somos’ mission, providing a space for cultural exchange and learning. Together, we believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of preserving community identity through both modern and traditional means.
From cultural events to scholarships for underserved students, the Biblioteca stands as a testament to the strength of community-driven initiatives. We at Ayzoh! are proud to collaborate with such an institution, joining forces to empower local voices and elevate stories that matter.
Niñas Sabias (Wise Girls)
Starting from Mexico, in a world where the empowerment of women and girls remains a pressing issue, Niñas Sabias (Wise Girls) stands at the forefront, championing the rights and potential of young women across various communities.
Understanding that true progress is unattainable without the active participation and liberation of women, Niñas Sabias seeks to rekindle the matriarchal roots that many indigenous communities have historically embraced but have lost over time due to colonization.
Mission: Niñas Sabias is dedicated to initiating girls into their wisdom and power, guiding them to succeed and thrive. Through a holistic approach that intertwines education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship, they cultivate stronger, happier young women who are ready to pursue their dreams.
Vision: The organization envisions a future where all girls are healthy, safe, and wise, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their lives with agency.
Goals: at the heart of Niñas Sabias’ mission is the commitment to end period poverty and stigma. They aim to increase body and cycle literacy among menstruating girls, ensuring they have access to locally manufactured eco-friendly menstrual kits. By empowering girls with knowledge and skills, Niñas Sabias fosters self-efficacy and increased agency over their development, health, and well-being.
Entrepreneurship: Niñas Sabias also believes in the power of entrepreneurship. In San Miguel Cuyutlán, they have successfully trained a women’s enterprise to manufacture the Niñas Sabias Kits, creating jobs and enhancing local economies.
Additionally, their program in Lake Chapala involves a passionate group of volunteers who sew the bags for the kits, significantly reducing costs while fostering community involvement.
Beyond Mexico, Niñas Sabias collaborates with micro-enterprises and women’s projects in Costa Rica to manufacture and distribute these vital kits.
Partnerships with Tarde de Telas y Te in San José, Incá^ in the Boruca indigenous territory, and Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation’s Four Heart Arts enrich their mission, ensuring that every workshop reaches girls with the resources they need.
Through the SOMOS project, Ayzoh! will work closely with Niñas Sabias to amplify these vital themes, ensuring that the voices of women and girls are not only heard but celebrated. Together, we strive to create a future where empowerment knows no bounds, and every girl has the opportunity to flourish.
Penzi
Penzi, one of Mexico’s leading wedding planning companies — based in San Miguel de Allende — and known for organizing high-end events, may seem an unexpected partner for SOMOS at first glance.
However, Penzi plays a crucial and impactful role that goes beyond weddings and luxury. At the heart of Penzi’s operations is a deep commitment to supporting indigenous communities across Mexico.
They purchase high-quality artisanal products from local artisans without ever negotiating prices, ensuring that these small communities benefit from fair compensation and ongoing economic stability.
Following the vision of the founder — Guadalupe Alvarez — their approach reflects Penzi’s belief in the value of craftsmanship and cultural heritage, aligning them closely with the ethos of SOMOS.
Moreover, Penzi’s success enables them to contribute significantly to humanitarian organizations not only in Mexico but also in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Their reach and generosity have supported numerous initiatives focused on uplifting marginalized communities.
Within Ayzoh! and SOMOS, Penzi has a twofold role. First, they have been a steadfast supporter of Ayzoh! during the complex planning phases in Mexico and Guatemala, helping to lay the groundwork for the project’s success.
Second, Penzi’s vast expertise in event organization will be instrumental in hosting fundraising events for SOMOS and showcasing the project’s progress step by step. Their experience in managing large-scale events will help bring
SOMOS to a broader audience, inspiring continued support and engagement.
Penzi’s involvement in SOMOS is a reflection of their broader mission: to use their platform to create positive, lasting impact, not only through their business but also through their support of social and humanitarian causes around the world.
Baregota Travel
Based in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and founded by Ayzoh!’s member Amlaku Yaregal Teshome, Baregota Travel stands as a beacon of socially responsible tourism, seamlessly blending adventure with a commitment to compassion, conservation, and community empowerment.
As a pivotal partner of Ayzoh!, Baregota Travel not only facilitates our logistical needs but also embodies our shared mission of fostering positive change through meaningful travel experiences.
At Baregota Travel, the journey transcends mere transportation; it is a transformative experience that encourages travelers to be ambassadors of sustainability: every traveler becomes a social investor, directly contributing to initiatives that uplift and empower local communities. With each tour intricately linked to concrete social projects, your adventures will leave a lasting footprint on the world.
Collaboration with local communities is at the heart of Baregota Travel’s philosophy. Every journey is designed to be more than just sightseeing; it becomes a cultural exchange that fosters understanding and support for local artisans and community-driven projects. As you explore new destinations, you engage in experiences that uplift those you meet, creating ripples of positive change.
Baregota Travel is also dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the places we visit. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that every journey supports conservation efforts, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in awe-inspiring landscapes while protecting the essence of these destinations.
With Baregota, your presence becomes an investment in the preservation of our planet’s rich tapestry.
In a project as ambitious as SOMOS, having a reliable logistical partner is paramount. Baregota Travel’s expertise in navigating the complexities of travel in Africa — be it securing visas or addressing bureaucratic hurdles — ensures that Ayzoh! can focus on its mission.
Their profound understanding of local contexts and dedication to community-centric tourism empower us to operate effectively, even in challenging situations.
Through our partnership with Baregota Travel, we not only enhance the logistical framework of Ayzoh! but also align ourselves with an organization whose values resonate deeply with our mission.
Together, we strive to create journeys that transform lives, empower communities, and preserve the rich heritage of our planet.
Cerberus Systems
Ensuring technological excellence and safety. In the complex landscape of indigenous community work, the importance of technology cannot be overstated. This is why Ayzoh! proudly collaborates with Cerberus Systems, a leading technology firm based in Fredrikstad, Norway.
Their expertise is crucial for the success and safety of the SOMOS project, which inherently involves managing sensitive data and navigating various challenges that arise in today’s digital world.
The SOMOS project incorporates significant technological elements, beginning with the innovative Unity Map. This digital tool serves as a comprehensive platform for connecting communities, organizations, and supporters, allowing for real-time collaboration and information sharing.
The creation and development of the Unity Map have presented unique challenges that Cerberus Systems has expertly addressed, ensuring that the platform operates smoothly and effectively.
Moreover, the management of Ayzoh!’s servers is critical in handling the substantial amount of data generated by our initiatives. Cerberus Systems brings invaluable experience in server management, which is essential for maintaining high performance and reliability, particularly when dealing with the diverse needs of our projects across various geographical locations.
Perhaps most importantly, as our work often intersects with communities facing political, criminal, or social threats, safeguarding sensitive information is paramount. Cerberus Systems specializes in cybersecurity, enabling us to protect the data of individuals and communities involved in the SOMOS project. Their expertise ensures that we can navigate potential dangers while promoting the stories and aspirations of these communities without compromising their safety.
By partnering with Cerberus Systems, Ayzoh! not only enhances the technological capabilities of the SOMOS project but also establishes a framework of security and efficiency that empowers indigenous communities.
Together, we are committed to harnessing technology for positive change, ensuring that our efforts resonate on both local and global scales.
Amu Les Griots
Amu Les Griots, a non-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium, with a cultural center in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, is a key partner in the SOMOS project.
Their mission is to promote the arts and the geographical and human cultural heritage of West African countries, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue.
Through activities focused on rhythm, music, and dance, Amu Les Griots creates a space dedicated to social cohesion, the celebration of diversity, and intergenerational integration, offering a place for well-being, solidarity, leisure, and social connection.
At the heart of their work is a permanent workshop on African rhythms, where oral communication and traditional rituals are used to teach and preserve these ancient practices. This approach not only passes on the richness of West African musical traditions but also provides a space for cultural learning and community-building.
Amu Les Griots plays a pivotal role in the creation and management of cultural projects, drawing on the extensive expertise of its president, Ombretta Moschella — also vice-president of Ayzoh! — who has a deep background in drafting and managing international cultural initiatives. The organization also offers specialized vocational training in cultural project management, responding to the growing need for such skills.
Among its flagship initiatives are literacy courses in music and movement through the cultural traditions of the Griots, focusing on West African rhythms and instruments, as well as summer workshops on African rhythms and Afro Jazz Mandingo music, organized in collaboration with the Royale Académie Internationale d’Été de Wallonie.
Through this partnership, SOMOS is enriched by Amu Les Griots’ unique perspective and deep connection to the indigenous cultures of West Africa, enhancing the project’s capacity to celebrate and preserve these vibrant traditions for future generations.
Movimento Centrale
Founded in 1998 by Claudio Gasparotto — who has been with Ayzoh! since the beginning — Movimento Centrale is a center dedicated to the exploration and practice of dance as an inclusive art form, open to all, regardless of age or experience.
At its core lies the belief that movement can transcend barriers and unite people, fostering connections both human and divine. Indigenous peoples, with their profound understanding of the sacred, teach us how to tap into these deeper connections through their cultural expressions.
Dance, for Movimento Centrale, is more than a performance: it’s a powerful language, one that speaks to the dignity, equality, and freedom that are essential for a peaceful society. It’s an universal art for human connection.
Movimento Centrale approaches dance as a journey into the body’s inner life. Through movement, participants discover the communicative power of their physicality, engaging in a dialogue between emotion, intellect, and the body.
Their methodology centers on respect for the body, not as something to display, but as a tool for self-awareness, creativity, and the deepening of human relationships.
The center also offers the Hobart® Method Training School, inviting all who wish to engage in a study path with educational objectives, exploring the dance of life as a way to understand and enhance both the self and community.
An essential part of Movimento Centrale’s mission is to create a space where East meets West and North meets South, where bodies engage in a profound exchange of ideas and expressions. This “bartering” of movement from dance to dance, heart to heart, offers a unique opportunity to bridge diverse communities — especially indigenous groups involved in the SOMOS project — and people from all parts of the world.
Through the universal language of dance, this cultural and spiritual exchange fosters a sense of unity, mutual understanding, and shared humanity.
Innovare Insieme
Innovare Insieme — founded by Maria Pacelli, a dedicated member of Ayzoh! — is an Italian-based organization that specializes in sustainable development projects.
Its mission is to bridge the gap between cultures from the Global North and Global South, fostering the creation of a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society.
By facilitating exchanges, partnerships, and innovative collaborations, Innovare Insieme is helping to build stronger, interconnected communities that transcend borders.
At the core of Innovare Insieme’s work is a deep commitment to supporting migrant communities in Italy, with a special focus on the African diaspora.
The organization offers services in project design, fundraising, and partnership creation, empowering migrant communities to establish businesses both in Italy and their countries of origin. This approach enhances the economic potential of these individuals while fostering entrepreneurship and local growth in their home countries.
Moreover, Innovare Insieme addresses one of the most pressing global challenges today: migration from Africa (and other regions) to Europe and the United States.
By working closely with African diaspora communities and engaging directly with local populations in Africa, Innovare Insieme helps tackle the root causes of migration, primarily through promoting the creation of micro-enterprises. These small businesses provide local opportunities, reducing the pressure to migrate in search of a better future.
This work is particularly relevant within the context of the Somos project, where the need for social and economic development is even more pronounced.
Innovare Insieme’s expertise in entrepreneurship and cross-cultural collaboration aligns perfectly with Somos’ mission to empower marginalized communities.
Together, Innovare Insieme and Somos are fostering local resilience, reducing migration pressures, and creating sustainable futures for those most vulnerable.
CPO / Centre Photographique de Ouagadougou
Founded by renowned photographer and Ayzih!’s member Warren Sare the Centre Photographique de Ouagadougou (CPO) is more than just a photography center—it’s a beacon of hope for the local community. Built with limited resources but immense determination, the CPO stands as a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the power of dreams.
Warren, who once lived on the streets himself, created this space to give street children and young people the tools to tell their own stories through photography. In a place where opportunities are scarce and adversity is a daily reality, the CPO opens its doors to anyone in the community, fostering creativity, empowerment, and connection.
As a prime example of what can be achieved through the power of collaboration, Ayzoh! and the CPO launched the ongoing project “Je suis la rue.” In this initiative, Warren worked with a group of street children to produce one of the most powerful visual narratives ever captured in Ouagadougou.
This remarkable project not only gained widespread attention from local Burkinabé media but also culminated in a stunning photographic book, available for virtual viewing on ayzoh.org. “Je suis la rue” is an ongoing project, a permanent tribute to the lives and stories of those often overlooked by society, giving them the dignity and platform they deserve.
The center may seem basic or rudimentary by Western standards, but to those who built it — Warren and the local community — it is a testament to strength and resourcefulness. Every brick, every corner of this space speaks to the collective effort to create something meaningful in the face of hardship.
For the street kids, the CPO is a sanctuary, a place where they can express themselves, learn, and imagine a future beyond the streets.
But its impact goes further: the center serves the entire community, providing a cultural hub where people can come together, share their experiences, and celebrate their identity.
Through photography, the CPO nurtures a sense of belonging and offers a platform for voices that are often overlooked.
As you explore the stages of its construction, you’ll see the beauty that arises not from perfection, but from purpose and passion.
The CPO is a powerful example of how, even in the most difficult circumstances, a dream can take shape and inspire change.
We invite you to explore and be part of Somos
Be part of a global effort to foster unity, justice, and dignity for all. Your contribution empowers Indigenous communities to thrive, ensuring their voices are heard on a global stage. Continue reading to explore the origins of SOMOS, its objectives, and the incredible communities we work with around the world.
