The Onlus “Liberamente” was born on February 6, 2006. It has the aim of creating activities that encourage cultural exchanges between different populations, the freedom to hold onto traditions, the defense and promotion of human rights, the improvement of living conditions of indigenous populations. The main subjects of these activities are women and children, considered by the Onlus the pillar for future social improvement.

During its first year of activities, the Association, together with the County of Rosignano Marittimo (Livorno), with the Commission for Equal Opportunities and the Local Authority of International Cooperation of the province of Livorno, cooperated with the Committee of Indigenous Guatemalan women “Luna Kakchiquel” through the Decentralized Cooperation Project, denominated "Cultural Project in the indigenous community San Marcos la Laguna."

On January 2007 the Association “Liberamente” with the Comitee “Luna kakchiquel” start new activities for community development for example, a community a grain mill, the realization of a community vegetable garden, 15 individual family gardens, a nursery of native plants. We also collaborate with various groups that produce organic coffee, vegetables, spices and honey, as well as textile producers, with the intension to strengthen economic solidarity in Guatemala. These actividies are possible thanks to the collaboration of “The elder cooperative” of San Marcos la Laguna, and a contract, for educational conventions. between the University of Firenze and Pisa and “liberamente”. Our contact with the universities enabled us to work with three new students to help these programs to flourish in the last two years. Also we would like to thank endless the work of the women from the Councils of San Marcos la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna and the community of Tzununà and contributions of private persons

In order to support such collaboration, various events have been organized in Tuscany, such as dinner meetings, theatre events, concerts, and dos art auctions, that along with the products made by the women of the Committee and the donations of private citizens and companies such as REA (Rosignano Energia Ambiente) and associations like “Poggi Riunite”, have all helped us to collect funds. Furthermore, the association “Donne in Campo”, which is part of the CIA (Agricultural Italian Confederation) has invited us to participate in some of their discussions, giving us the chance to bring our activities and products to a wider audience. The participation of “Liberamente” and the presence of Emiliana Sancoy Mendoza, in the activities of the “Marzo al Femminile 2006” event, organized by the Commission of Equal Opportunities from the municipality of Rosignano Marittimo (Livorno), has helped immensely to promote, within the Italian community, the understanding and reality of the Indigenous Guatemalans, particularly the female reality.

The Committee of indigenous women “Luna Kakchiquel” was born in October 2001 with the intention of uniting indigenous women of the community of San Marcos La Laguna in Guatemala.

The “Luna” or “Moon”, a renowned female symbol, represents the cooperation of Kakchiquel women to try and improve the Community and social status to which they belong. It is the aim of the Committee to revive the Mayan culture and its women, trying to render them independent, autonomous, and more aware through teaching them to read and write, considering this culture their only means to freedom and helping them to contribute to their domestic economy.

Our Objective

Our objective is to motivate women to elevate socially so they can be equal with men; trying, with time, to create a social awareness that will bring them to hold relevant roles within the community. As an example there is the President of our Committee, Emiliana Sancoy Mendoza, who, with sacrifice and strong will power has been able to reach political responsibilities that were until now hardly ever handed over to women. It is with Emiliana Sancoy Mendoza that the board organizes and chooses the path we need to follow for our projects to be successful.

For over five years the Committee “Luna Kakchiquel” has been cooperating with Italy, thanks to the support of the Onlus “Liberamente”, of many private citizens and of public and private organizations from the Province of Livorno in Tuscany. This direct link has made it possible to finance and coordinate efficiently the activities and projects that have been so useful to the entire community of San Marcos La Laguna.

Activities

The work undertaken until today by the Committee has asked for a minimum and adequate economic or material contribution on behalf of the beneficiaries of the projects. This because most free initiatives imported into the community by other organizations has deepened the growing sense of submission and passivity that has befallen this and many other populations.

It is our objective that each individual of the community feels to be the main doer in her personal project.