In the coastal town of San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit, Entreamigos continues to expand its role as a center for education, creativity, and environmental action. What began in 2006 on a simple kitchen table set along a neighborhood street has grown into a thriving community hub housed in a large warehouse recognized as a model sustainable facility.
Today, the center offers a wide range of programs and services that support families and children throughout the region. These include educational classes and workshops, a scholarship program, a bilingual library for children and adults, a computer center, an extensive recycling initiative, a gift shop, and the Recicla thrift store.
Here’s the latest news from Entreamigos:
The final day of March marked a major achievement for the Entreamigos Lotería Project, which featured the artistic talents of eighteen youth between the ages of 8 and 16. Under the guidance of local educators, these young artists used watercolor to illustrate traditional game cards inspired by the wildlife of the Riviera Nayarit and the daily life of San Pancho. The community gathered to celebrate these students and view their framed works, which successfully bridged the gap between traditional Mexican culture and modern environmental awareness.
Expanding on this connection to nature, the organization prepares to host its 10th annual Environmental Fair on April 15. The event invites schools, families, and journalists to participate in a five-hour celebration of the planet, running from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Attendees can look forward to educational booths, hands-on workshops, and interactive games that promote responsible consumption. Entreamigos’ environmental fair serves as a vital meeting point for various local organizations dedicated to protecting the regional ecosystem.
Environmental education also extends beyond the walls of the community center, as evidenced by a recent field trip to the San Pancho Bird Observatory. Members of the Primary Scholarship group visited the observatory to mark the start of spring, where they learned the technical skills of using binoculars and discussed jungle conservation. The students discovered practical ways to protect local bird populations during the upcoming hot season, such as the installation of water feeders to support biodiversity.
The creative influence of San Pancho is even reaching international audiences through the “Mujeres que crean” collective. This group of women recently completed a commission of 26 handcrafted whales made entirely from recycled denim. These pieces, which represent a successful blend of craftsmanship and sustainability, have traveled to Washington state to join the collection at the Orcas Island Historical Museum. This collaboration provides a global platform for the stories and talents of the women of San Pancho.
Building a Stronger Future Through Community Support
As Entreamigos approaches two decades of service, the organization is focused on securing long-term stability. For 20 years, the center has provided a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, families can connect, and community members can access educational and environmental resources.
However, leaders note that relying on one-time donations and events is no longer sufficient to sustain growing programs. To address this challenge, Entreamigos has introduced the Sustainer Circle, a monthly giving program designed to create a more reliable foundation for the future.
Monthly contributions help support daily operations, after-school programs, scholarships, and the broader network of services offered at the center. The organization is also seeking additional leadership donors to help secure lasting financial stability.
The truth is simple: what we value most only lasts if we choose to support it. With you, it’s possible — click HERE to be part of it.
Located at Av. Tercer Mundo No. 12 in San Francisco, Nayarit, Mexico, Entreamigos is an active community center whose primary focus is to increase educational opportunities for the children of San Pancho. To achieve these goals Entreamigos runs an art collective non-profit store, a library, a computer center and a collection of educational and community based workshops and initiatives. Entreamigos is entirely funded by donations and almost completely run by volunteers. To learn more about our programs and activities please visit entreamigos.org.mx, or Follow Us On Social Media.