27 April – Donna Paola and pumpkin seeds: the “La Pepita” Regional Centre opens in Yucatán

27 April marks a significant date for the rural communities of Yucatán: the “La Pepita” Regional Centre is inaugurated at Casa Paola, a social facility strongly championed by Paola Cinciripini, former president of GSI Marche and a long-standing volunteer in the rural centres of the Valladolid area.

The new centre has been established as a focal point for the community life of the Maya population, offering a space for gathering, training and shared growth. But that is not all: “La Pepita” will also be a craft workshop dedicated to the women of the villages, who have been at the forefront of a journey towards empowerment and economic independence that has been ongoing for over fifteen years.

The activities hosted by the centre form part of the work carried out by the organisation El Hombre Sobre la Tierra, an NGO founded in Mexico over twenty years ago with the support of GSI Italia. Over the years, the organisation has developed projects aimed at strengthening women’s craft skills and promoting small, sustainable local economies.

Among the crafts that will be showcased at the “La Pepita” Regional Centre, the processing and roasting of pumpkin seeds stands out; this is a traditional product widely consumed in Yucatán and throughout Mexico.

The artisanal production of this foodstuff represents not only a cultural element deeply rooted in local tradition, but also a tangible source of income for village families.
The opening of the centre therefore marks a new step towards the economic and social autonomy of Maya women, whilst strengthening the community fabric and preserving traditional knowledge that continues to be a source of identity and development.
‘Donna Paola and the pumpkin seeds’ thus becomes the symbol of a story of commitment, solidarity and vision: that of a woman who has transformed an idea into a real place, capable of creating opportunities and a future for an entire community.