Trenzando desde la raíz
Strengthening Aesthetic Identities
#DS 4ESAL in Bogotá, Colombia
Promotion of citizen coexistence
Corporación OCASA - Local Youth Council NARP (Blacks, Afro-descendants, Raizales, and Palenqueros)
A toolbox for individual workshops, led by a leader, to promote self-awareness and cultural attachment. It encourages self-learning and youth participation in community dynamics, aimed at young NARP individuals born in their territory and forced to leave, or born in the city, and those seeking to strengthen their identity.
This project is for someone who left their homeland at an early age, or never lived there, as they were born in the city. Their family environment has not instilled a strong sense of connection to their roots. Living in Bogotá has created a need for them to rediscover and recognize their identity. They feel conflicted because they do not see themselves reflected in the visual, physical, academic, or cultural standards around them. They do not recognize close references. They need collective and individual spaces and tools where they can truly be themselves.
The value proposition is to provide tools for self-recognition of history, territory, body, and references to strengthen identity and life projects. Create collective spaces for dialogue and recognition. Train trainers to replicate these tools in various communities.





The team

Laura Valentina Pérez Moreno
Sociology student, raised by Afro-Colombian parents in Bogotá, active in youth engagement initiatives like “Free Preicfes for Youth” and early parenthood prevention. Laura is an Afro representation counselor in Fontibón and co-founder of AfroUSTA. She also supports Afro youth mobilization, is part of Cimarrón, and was awarded at the Benkos Biohó Awards in 2023 for her contributions to youth development.

Anderson Stiwar Moreno Moreno
Afro-Colombian youth from the Chocó, 27, and a business manager, poet, youth advisor, artist, and environmental advocate. Anderson champions social unity and generational progress, drawing on ancestral teachings to foster employment opportunities, community initiatives, and youth development through creativity, knowledge-sharing, and community-building.

Daniel Prieto
Philosopher from the University of Los Andes in Colombia. He has worked in processes of monitoring and implementing social programs, as well as in the support and strengthening of civil society organizations. Similarly. he has participated in monitoring activities, research, and actions related to youth empowerment, the defense of religious freedom, and democracy at the regional level.

Marco Antonio Maldonado Otalora
Industrial designer from Bogotá, specializing in product design, digital communication, 3D modeling, and UX/UI. Marco’s collaborative approach and dedication to problem-solving fuel his work in innovative design solutions, creating meaningful and quality-driven results for clients and communities alike.

Angie Valentina Ramírez Posada
Strategic designer focused on social, environmental, and interactive design within communities. Her strengths lie in creative problem-solving and social innovation. Her expertise in design thinking and user experience guides her approach to finding sustainable, real-world solutions.

Maria Fernanda Alfonso Rodriguez
Sustainability-focused industrial designer with expertise in strategic and systemic design. Maria Fernanda uses storytelling to connect with users’ needs and is dedicated to transformative projects that build a fairer, more empathetic future through creative, efficient solutions.
Other outcomes pf #DS 4ESAL in Bogotá, Colombia

Ukoloni wa kiakili
Amplifying Voices and Role Models

Pazifica
Cultural Rootedness in Urban Environments

Ekuba
Inclusion and Empowerment in Public Spaces