Realized on assignment for the AVSI Foundation

From the state of Guerrero to Oaxaca, corruption, uncertainty of justice and fear of violence do not spare anyone. Across Mexico, almost 40.000 people are categorized as “missing” by the government.

When the first shadows of the night envelope Acapulco, crossing the street, entering a pub or taking a cab, can be very dangerous. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. More than often, corrupted policemen are the ones who facilitate abductions and kidnapping for ransom. Just like violence against women forcibly taken from the streets. The United Nations say that 4 of every 10 Mexican women will experience sexual violence, such as unwanted groping or rape, during their lifetimes, and that 9 women are murdered on average every day in the country. This widespread violence has claimed more than 250,000 lives since 2006. Supported by an international project funded by the European Union and implemented by the AVSI Foundation together with local NGOs, between the States of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Puebla, indigenous communities are implementing solutions to solve problems concerning security, access to water and the defense of workers’ rights in the maquilas. Long before the “discovery” of Columbus and the successive invasions by European conquistadors, in the Mixteca region, an area straddling Central and Southern America, the first cohesive and stable settlements, including those of the Mixtecs, flourished. A population that, after 4000 years, continues to live in the same area, which stretches over 40.000 square kilometers between the western half of the State of Oaxaca and some northwest areas of the states of Puebla and Guerrero. In the Mixteca, as well as in many rural areas of southern Mexico, the lack of infrastructures and investments for the construction of water pipelines, has left the natives in precarious conditions, with problems of access to water for domestic and agricultural use. Although during the rainy season, it rains up to 6 or 7 months a year, rainwater collection tools have always been lacking. At least until the local NGO “Mujeres en Desarrollo para el Progreso de San Luis Morelia” (Women in Development for the Progress of San Luis Morelia), has thought to start building ferrocement tanks, inside which the rainwater collected through channels installed on the roofs of the houses, can be harvested to meet the needs of the communities. In addition to the issue of water scarcity, the indigenous people living in La Montaña region, also have to face the institutional absenteeism. In this area, about 3 hours drive from Tlapa de Comonfort, in the state of Guerrero, some of the citizens founded the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular” (Citizen and Popular Police). Patrolling the roads and monitoring vehicles in transit among the harsh and mountainous landscapes of the area, they try to avoid problems for locals, already afflicted by thefts and assaults on trucks and livestock along the roads. At the same time, they try to carry on the ancestral values ​​of their forefathers, handed down through practices such as self-discipline, taking care of one another and the ancient curanderos techniques. Walking down the same path, these associations are trying to generate and develop hope, so people can believe in themselves, but also in the possibility of a different future.

A woman is seen crossing a street in the city center at night. The United Nations say that 4 of every 10 Mexican women will experience sexual violence, such as unwanted groping or rape, during their lifetimes, and that 9 women are murdered on average every day in the country. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A woman is seen crossing a street in the city center at night. The United Nations say that 4 of every 10 Mexican women will experience sexual violence, such as unwanted groping or rape, during their lifetimes, and that 9 women are murdered on average every day in the country. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato is seen inside her house, holding in the hands some of her son’s clothes. Jose Alberto Telles Mora disappeared on 20 September 2011 at the age of 14 years old. After 8 years, Emma was not yet able to find her son and she is now the president of the NGO “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, a civil organization that helps other families to find their beloved ones. Supported by an international project promoted by the AVSI foundation and financed by the EU, local NGOs are trying to change their future. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato is seen inside her house, holding in the hands some of her son’s clothes. Jose Alberto Telles Mora disappeared on 20 September 2011 at the age of 14 years old. After 8 years, Emma was not yet able to find her son and she is now the president of the NGO “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, a civil organization that helps other families to find their beloved ones. Supported by an international project promoted by the AVSI foundation and financed by the EU, local NGOs are trying to change their future. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A crucifix hanging in the church of a rural congregation outside the city, where priest Jesus Mendoza was transferred for his own protection, after serving for years at a church in the violent port city of Acapulco. According to the Catholic Multimedia Center (CCM), 27 priests had been killed in Mexico since 2012, making the country the most dangerous place in Latin America for priests. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A crucifix hanging in the church of a rural congregation outside the city, where priest Jesus Mendoza was transferred for his own protection, after serving for years at a church in the violent port city of Acapulco. According to the Catholic Multimedia Center (CCM), 27 priests had been killed in Mexico since 2012, making the country the most dangerous place in Latin America for priests. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Braulio Daniel Campus Cecilio, is seen treated by the medical staff at the “Clínica Hospital del Pueblo Anna Seethaler” where he had surgery on his broken arm, after being thrown 8 meters off a bridge by someone who wanted to steal his phone and money. San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Braulio Daniel Campus Cecilio, is seen treated by the medical staff at the “Clínica Hospital del Pueblo Anna Seethaler” where he had surgery on his broken arm, after being thrown 8 meters off a bridge by someone who wanted to steal his phone and money. San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Carolina Cecilio Martinez is seen on her doorstep after returning with her son Braulio from the hospital. Braulio has suffered an arm injury after being thrown 8 meters off a bridge by someone who wanted to steal his phone and money. According to the Mexico’s National System for Public Security, the first three months of 2019 have seen a 9.6% increase in murders in the country with 8,493 killings. San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Carolina Cecilio Martinez is seen on her doorstep after returning with her son Braulio from the hospital. Braulio has suffered an arm injury after being thrown 8 meters off a bridge by someone who wanted to steal his phone and money. According to the Mexico’s National System for Public Security, the first three months of 2019 have seen a 9.6% increase in murders in the country with 8,493 killings. San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of a skyscraper on the coast of Acapulco. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. Its beaches are now almost deserted, except for a few locals, and constantly patrolled by policemen. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of a skyscraper on the coast of Acapulco. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. Its beaches are now almost deserted, except for a few locals, and constantly patrolled by policemen. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some tourists are seen passing by a road block of the Mexican Army in the vicinity of the Hornos beach. The city of Acapulco, one of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings and murders. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some tourists are seen passing by a road block of the Mexican Army in the vicinity of the Hornos beach. The city of Acapulco, one of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings and murders. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A couple is seen bathing on the Hornos beach in Acapulco. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. Its beaches are now almost deserted, except for a few locals, and constantly patrolled by policemen. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A couple is seen bathing on the Hornos beach in Acapulco. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. Its beaches are now almost deserted, except for a few locals, and constantly patrolled by policemen. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A pair of shoes belonging to the son of 54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato. Jose Alberto Telles Mora disappeared on 20 September 2011 at the age of 14 years old. After 8 years, Emma was not yet able to find her son and she is now the president of the NGO “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, a civil organization that helps other families to find their beloved ones. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A pair of shoes belonging to the son of 54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato. Jose Alberto Telles Mora disappeared on 20 September 2011 at the age of 14 years old. After 8 years, Emma was not yet able to find her son and she is now the president of the NGO “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, a civil organization that helps other families to find their beloved ones. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
48-year-old Sergio Ceballos Ascensio is seen inside the house of 54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato, they work together at the NGO “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”. Sergio’s 17-year-old stepdaughter Monserrat Smith Orozco was kidnapped on the street on 9 August 2015. She was then found dead in 2018. Supported by an international project promoted by the AVSI foundation and financed by the EU, local NGOs are trying to change their future. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
48-year-old Sergio Ceballos Ascensio is seen inside the house of 54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato, they work together at the NGO “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”. Sergio’s 17-year-old stepdaughter Monserrat Smith Orozco was kidnapped on the street on 9 August 2015. She was then found dead in 2018. Supported by an international project promoted by the AVSI foundation and financed by the EU, local NGOs are trying to change their future. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two members of the Mexican Army are seen patrolling the Hornos beach in Acapulco. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two members of the Mexican Army are seen patrolling the Hornos beach in Acapulco. One of the oldest beach resorts in Mexico, once known as a holiday destination for Hollywood stars and millionaires, Acapulco has recently been ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2018 with a rising number of extortions, kidnappings, and murders. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato, president of the civil association “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, is seen inside the convention room in the Papagayo Park, after a press conference in which she pointed out that between 3 and 5 people are killed or disappear every day in the region, adding that violence has not diminished according also to the datas collected by the Forensic Medical Service (Semefo), the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) and the direct complaints. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
54-year-old Maria Emma Mora Liberato, president of the civil association “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, is seen inside the convention room in the Papagayo Park, after a press conference in which she pointed out that between 3 and 5 people are killed or disappear every day in the region, adding that violence has not diminished according also to the datas collected by the Forensic Medical Service (Semefo), the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and the direct complaints. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Shadows of people gathered in the open air church of a rural community on the outskirts of the city for the mass celebrated by priest Jesus Mendoza, who strongly believes in the importance of going to meet local communities and dialogue with them. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Shadows of people gathered in the open air church of a rural community on the outskirts of the city for the mass celebrated by priest Jesus Mendoza, who strongly believes in the importance of going to meet local communities and dialogue with them. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Members of “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, an NGO run by relatives of missing persons who try to find their beloved ones. Across Mexico, almost 40.000 people are categorized as “missing” by the government. This widespread violence has claimed more than 250,000 lives since 2006. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Members of “Familias de Acapulco en busca de sus desaparecidos”, an NGO run by relatives of missing persons who try to find their beloved ones. Across Mexico, almost 40.000 people are categorized as “missing” by the government. This widespread violence has claimed more than 250,000 lives since 2006. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Priest Jesus Mendoza is seen inside the church of a rural congregation outside the city, where he was transferred for his own protection, after serving for years at a church in the violent port city of Acapulco. According to the Catholic Multimedia Center (CCM), 27 priests had been killed in Mexico since 2012, making the country the most dangerous place in Latin America for priests. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Priest Jesus Mendoza is seen inside the church of a rural congregation outside the city, where he was transferred for his own protection, after serving for years at a church in the violent port city of Acapulco. According to the Catholic Multimedia Center (CCM), 27 priests had been killed in Mexico since 2012, making the country the most dangerous place in Latin America for priests. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Mexican Marines are seen on a pick-up patrolling the streets of the city center at night. Since the beginning of the Mexican Drug War in 2006, the Mexican government has been fighting drug traffickers, who have fought each other at the same time for the control of the territory. This widespread violence has claimed more than 250,000 lives so far. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Mexican Marines are seen on a pick-up patrolling the streets of the city center at night. Since the beginning of the Mexican Drug War in 2006, the Mexican government has been fighting drug traffickers, who have fought each other at the same time for the control of the territory. This widespread violence has claimed more than 250,000 lives so far. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
An old lady is seen selling tacos in the town center during the first “Festival of Reading for Peace and Inclusion” organized by the NGO “Consejo de Lectoescritura y Artes Creativas” (CLEAC). Supported by an international project promoted by the AVSI foundation and financed by the EU, local NGOs are trying to change their future. San Jacinto Amilpas, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
An old lady is seen selling tacos in the town center during the first “Festival of Reading for Peace and Inclusion” organized by the NGO “Consejo de Lectoescritura y Artes Creativas” (CLEAC). Supported by an international project promoted by the AVSI foundation and financed by the EU, local NGOs are trying to change their future. San Jacinto Amilpas, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some families are seen gathered in front of the San Jacinto Amilpas church, celebrating the First Communion of their children. San Jacinto Amilpas, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some families are seen gathered in front of the San Jacinto Amilpas church, celebrating the First Communion of their children. San Jacinto Amilpas, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
People gathered in the open air church of a rural community on the outskirts of the city for the mass celebrated by priest Jesus Mendoza, who strongly believes in the importance of going to meet local communities and dialogue with them to promote social change. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
People gathered in the open air church of a rural community on the outskirts of the city for the mass celebrated by priest Jesus Mendoza, who strongly believes in the importance of going to meet local communities and dialogue with them to promote social change. Acapulco, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Patricia Eduviges Silva López, school teacher and leader of a local NGO, is seen on the roof of a small building with some people of the Mogote Colorado village, working on the construction of a rainwater harvesting tank to collect and treat water for domestic and agricultural use. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Patricia Eduviges Silva López, school teacher and leader of a local NGO, is seen on the roof of a small building with some people of the Mogote Colorado village, working on the construction of a rainwater harvesting tank to collect and treat water for domestic and agricultural use. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A young woman with a child in her arms, is seen walking near a rainwater harvesting tank under construction in the village of Mogote Colorado. The access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use is a daily issue in rural ares throughout southern Mexico. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A young woman with a child in her arms, is seen walking near a rainwater harvesting tank under construction in the village of Mogote Colorado. The access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use is a daily issue in rural ares throughout southern Mexico. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some people of the Mogote Colorado village are seen inside a rainwater harvesting tank working on its construction. The access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use is a daily issue in rural areas throughout southern Mexico. With a project funded by the EU, local NGOs are working on sustainable solutions to provide clean water for local communities. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some people of the Mogote Colorado village are seen inside a rainwater harvesting tank working on its construction. The access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use is a daily issue in rural areas throughout southern Mexico. With a project funded by the EU, local NGOs are working on sustainable solutions to provide clean water for local communities. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some horses on a field in the Mogote Colorado village with a view of the countryside in the background. The access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use is a daily issue in rural ares throughout Mexico. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some horses on a field in the Mogote Colorado village with a view of the countryside in the background. The access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use is a daily issue in rural ares throughout Mexico. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A little girl is seen playing with her hat while some women of a rural community work on the construction of a rainwater harvesting tank to collect and treat water for domestic and agricultural use in the village of Mogote Colorado. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A little girl is seen playing with her hat while some women of a rural community work on the construction of a rainwater harvesting tank to collect and treat water for domestic and agricultural use in the village of Mogote Colorado. Santiago Ayuquililla, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view at dawn of Los Pinos district, with a torn sign hanging from a power line, through which citizens warn criminals that those who will be found loitering around their properties, will be lynched and exhibited in the street. Huajuapan de León, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view at dawn of Los Pinos district, with a torn sign hanging from a power line, through which citizens warn criminals that those who will be found loitering around their properties, will be lynched and exhibited in the street. Huajuapan de León, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A group of students of professional career in community health at CONALEP, are seen with gloves and trash bags, cleaning the area around the local river from plastic waste with the help of their teachers. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A group of students of professional career in community health at CONALEP, are seen with gloves and trash bags, cleaning the area around the local river from plastic waste with the help of their teachers. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
47-year-old Maria Laura Garcia Rivera, president of the NGO “Comité Cuenca Huajolotitlán”, is seen with some people at a local shop getting ready for the cleaning of a local river from plastic waste with the help of a group of local students. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
47-year-old Maria Laura Garcia Rivera, president of the NGO “Comité Cuenca Huajolotitlán”, is seen with some people at a local shop getting ready for the cleaning of a local river from plastic waste with the help of a group of local students. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Alejandro Cruz Barragan, a student of professional career in community health at CONALEP, is seen by the local river during the cleanliness activities of the area from plastic, agrochemical empty bottles and waste generated by nearby cultivators. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Alejandro Cruz Barragan, a student of professional career in community health at CONALEP, is seen by the local river during the cleanliness activities of the area from plastic, agrochemical empty bottles and waste generated by nearby cultivators. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Three student volunteers of a local school, armed with masks, gloves and trash bags to clean the area, are seen walking by an old television dumped near the river. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Three student volunteers of a local school, armed with masks, gloves and trash bags to clean the area, are seen walking by an old television dumped near the river. Santiago Huajolotitlán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen walking on a road in La Montaña region. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country. Temalakatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen walking on a road in La Montaña region. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country. Temalakatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some members of the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular” are seen patrolling the road while a family, standing at the doorstep of their home, looks on with concern. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country. The PCP’s members try to prevent violence and criminal activities, but the fact that they go around armed, also worry the community. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some members of the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular” are seen patrolling the road while a family, standing at the doorstep of their home, looks on with concern. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country. The PCP’s members try to prevent violence and criminal activities, but the fact that they go around armed, also worry the community. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen resting under the columns of a building in the municipality of Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen resting under the columns of a building in the municipality of Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of the mountainous area around Tlapa de Comonfort, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of the mountainous area around Tlapa de Comonfort, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Before sunrise, a young women with her child on her lap is seen along with other indigenous people from the state of Guerrero, waiting in front of the local bank in order to receive a financial support from the government. Tlapa de Comonfort, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Before sunrise, a young women with her child on her lap is seen along with other indigenous people from the state of Guerrero, waiting in front of the local bank in order to receive a financial support from the government. Tlapa de Comonfort, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Three students are seen listening to their teacher at the “Unidad Escolar Josè Clemente Orozco”. Tehuacán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Three students are seen listening to their teacher at the “Unidad Escolar Josè Clemente Orozco”. Tehuacán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
38-year-old Reyna Ramírez Sánchez, founder and activist of the “Obreras Insumisas” collective, is seen sewing bags in the kitchen while her mother looks at her. Although Reyna started sewing at a young age, she had to stop working in the maquilas after having been threatened and suffered violence for defending workers' rights with her collective. Tehuacán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
38-year-old Reyna Ramírez Sánchez, founder and activist of the “Obreras Insumisas” collective, is seen sewing bags in the kitchen while her mother looks at her. Although Reyna started sewing at a young age, she had to stop working in the maquilas after having been threatened and suffered violence for defending workers’ rights with her collective. Tehuacán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A group of children are seen playing with 36-year-old Rolando Moreno García, high school teacher and psychologist, in a center for child development. The facility, run by the NGO “Semillita de Esperanza” (Little Seeds of Hope), is a place where kids can play and do art and craft activities, giving them the possibility to develop their imagination and creativity. Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A group of children are seen playing with 36-year-old Rolando Moreno García, high school teacher and psychologist, in a center for child development. The facility, run by the NGO “Semillita de Esperanza” (Little Seeds of Hope), is a place where kids can play and do art and craft activities, giving them the possibility to develop their imagination and creativity. Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Citlali Pérez Vázquez, teacher and leader of the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular”, is seen inside the classroom where she works. On the wall there are the Spanish and Nahuatl alphabets, both spoken by the indigenous community in Santa Cruz Loma Lapa, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Citlali Pérez Vázquez, teacher and leader of the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular”, is seen inside the classroom where she works. On the wall there are the Spanish and Nahuatl alphabets, both spoken by the indigenous community in Santa Cruz Loma Lapa, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two little girls are seen talking to each other seated at their desk in the classroom of a center for child development, run by the NGO “Semillita de Esperanza” (Little Seeds of Hope), where children can play and do art and craft activities, giving them the possibility to develop their imagination and creativity. Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two little girls are seen talking to each other seated at their desk in the classroom of a center for child development, run by the NGO “Semillita de Esperanza” (Little Seeds of Hope), where children can play and do art and craft activities, giving them the possibility to develop their imagination and creativity. Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
44-year-old Azucena Nestor Moctezuma, psychologist and manager of a center for child development, is seen inside her home. The facility, run by the NGO “Semillita de Esperanza” (Little Seeds of Hope), is a space where children can play and do art and craft activities, giving them the possibility to develop their imagination and creativity. Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
44-year-old Azucena Nestor Moctezuma, psychologist and manager of a center for child development, is seen inside her home. The facility, run by the NGO “Semillita de Esperanza” (Little Seeds of Hope), is a space where children can play and do art and craft activities, giving them the possibility to develop their imagination and creativity. Alcozauca de Guerrero, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A donkey with the front paws tied together to prevent him from escape, is seen in a field in the village of Santiago Nopala, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A donkey with the front paws tied together to prevent him from escape, is seen in a field in the village of Santiago Nopala, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen armed with a rifle in La Montaña region. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country, therefore in 2012 they created the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular”, an organization, not recognized by the authority, that try to prevent violence and criminal activities patrolling the roads and monitoring the vehicles in transit to ensure people are able to move safely in the area. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen armed with a rifle in La Montaña region. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country, therefore in 2012 they created the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular”, an organization, not recognized by the authority, that try to prevent violence and criminal activities patrolling the roads and monitoring the vehicles in transit to ensure people are able to move safely in the area. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A kid is seen seated under the shadow of a tree, in the background a view of the mountainous area around Temalakatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A kid is seen seated under the shadow of a tree, in the background a view of the mountainous area around Temalakatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A pair of shoes hanging off a power line. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A pair of shoes hanging off a power line. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen laying on a wooden cot, undergoing a magnetic therapy session carried out by local traditional healers. Santa Cruz Loma Lapa, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A man is seen laying on a wooden cot, undergoing a magnetic therapy session carried out by local traditional healers. Santa Cruz Loma Lapa, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular” patrols the road while some people and kids look on. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country. The PCP’s members try to prevent violence and criminal activities, but the fact that they go around armed, creates concern among the community. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the “Policia Ciudadana y Popular” patrols the road while some people and kids look on. The local indigenous community feels abandoned and not protected by the State of Guerrero, the second-poorest and most violent state in the country. The PCP’s members try to prevent violence and criminal activities, but the fact that they go around armed, creates concern among the community. Temalacatzingo, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Louis Antonio and Felipe play on a tree log in the vicinity of their father’s mechanic shop in the village of Santiago Nopala, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
Louis Antonio and Felipe play on a tree log in the vicinity of their father’s mechanic shop in the village of Santiago Nopala, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A pickup carrying two horses, is seen on the road to Tehuacán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli
A pickup carrying two horses, is seen on the road to Tehuacán, Mexico 2019. © Matteo Bastianelli

FORTALEZA MEXICO (2019)