Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In the heart of Volcanes, one of the poorer colonias of Puerto Vallarta, an after-school program provides opportunities for its children – the Volcanes Kids Education Program. This initiative has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless students, offering them a pathway to a brighter future through education.
Through a range of initiatives including after-school English classes, computer, Spanish tutoring, music classes, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities, the program nurtures the academic, social, and emotional development of the over 400 students who attend daily.
Sonia Valdez is a mother of eight living in Volcanes. Despite facing cognitive challenges and a lack of education, she works tirelessly cleaning houses to provide for her family. Yet, despite her best efforts, the Valdez family remains among the poorest in Volcanes, grappling with financial hardship and the added burden of an alcoholic father who is unable to hold a job. Life for Sonia and her children is filled with challenges, but amid the difficulties, a story of hope emerges.
For the Valdez brothers, the Volcanes Kids Education Program (VKEP) has become a sanctuary – a place where they find love, attention, and support. Gulliver (7) and the twins Manuel and Efren (11) arrive each day with bright smiles, always accompanied by their loyal dog Mia. On their journey of learning and growth, Mia has been a silent witness to their hardships, quietly standing by them through it all.
These boys come to VKEP center with healthy appetites. They often ask for second or third servings of breakfast, which may be their only substantial nourishment of the day. Their gratitude is always evident.
Sadly, the Valdez family’s struggles extend beyond poverty. Three years ago, Rosa (20), Belen (18), Silvana (17), and Alonso (15) were taken from their home by social services due to poor living conditions, further deepening the emotional toll on the family. Thankfully, they are home again, but the scars of separation remain.
Alonso, now 15, should be in 10th grade, but missing two years of school has left him in 8th grade, struggling to catch up while coping with the chaos of home. Fabio, in 7th grade, faces similar challenges. Both boys find it difficult to focus on schoolwork in such an unstable environment, yet they remain joyful, resilient, and committed to continuing their education. This is why VKEP plays such a crucial role. It is the place that provides the essential peace and support they need to do their homework.
For the Valdez brothers—and even their dog Mia—VKEP is a place of hope. Every day, they are welcomed with open arms by their teachers, Adrian and Norma, who have become much more than instructors, they have become mentors and role models, who have built deep bonds of trust with the them. The love and guidance the Valdez brothers receive at VKEP has given them something to look forward to each day. VKEP reminds them that there is a future beyond the struggles they currently face.
VKEP has genuinely transformed the lives of the Valdez brothers. It has given them not only the education they so desperately need but also the emotional support, stability, and hope for a better future. Every day, they are encouraged to dream big and work hard.
Fabio and Alonso have been coming to VKEP since they were little boys, following their sisters to tutoring classes and spending time in the library. Now, students themselves, they believe that learning English will be vital for their futures. Fabio dreams of becoming a military lawyer, while Alonso aspires to be an accountant.
They both need scholarships to continue their education. With your support, they have the potential to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams.
Their story is one of resilience and the transformative power of education. It reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, hope can thrive when given the chance.
VKEP IS THAT HOPE
Without our program, the Valdez brothers and many other children in Volcanes would face a world with fewer opportunities.
OUR TEACHERS ARE THAT HOPE
Their dedication ignites the passion for learning, inspiring students like the Valdez brothers to continue their educational journey.
YOU ARE THAT HOPE
“Your support makes all this possible. Your generosity fuels the program that transforms lives.”
“The Valdez children are some of my favorite students. They are always smiling, always grateful, despite their living conditions.” — Miss Diana, English 1 Teacher
“The Valdez twins are incredibly creative and smart. Both have made remarkable progress in math, never missing a class, they just needed someone to guide them.” — Miss Norma, Spanish 2 Tutoring Teacher
“The Valdez brothers are highly motivated to learn, and they always bring a positive attitude despite their home situation.” — Diego, Computer Teacher
“Guliver, Manuel, Efrain, Fabio, and Alonso are dedicated students. They’re often the first to arrive and the last to leave. Fabio and Alonso go above and beyond, always eager to help and never afraid to ask for help with their homework. They embody perseverance and determination. They are admirable.” — Olga, VKEP Director
VKEP sponsorship is more than just financial support; it is a lifeline that transforms lives and empowers communities. Together, we can continue to change lives, one student at a time.
For more information on how you can sponsor a student, click on the Donate button located at the top of every page of the VKEP website.
Your financial contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of children in Volcanes. Click HERE to make a PayPal donation to support VKEP in creating opportunities, building futures, and changing children’s lives for the better.
ABOUT VKEP
Volcanes Kids Education Program is an after-school program that centers on education in the community of Volcanes. We provide English, computer, music (35-member orchestra), and Spanish basic reading-writing skills, as well as, basic math, for over 400 students. We have a scholarship program with 100 students enrolled, and 20 who have graduated from university, four of them working in our program, six of them helping in other capacities.
We also have a variety of clubs with different interests led by volunteers from the community, such as Book Club, Cooking Club, Arts and Crafts Club, Butterfly Club, and Sports Club. We also provide adult education through INEA (GED) for students who for some reason did not finish their primary and junior high school.
If you want to know more about our programs, or how you can help, please contact us at mayrafumerton.vkep(at)gmail.com, or visit volcanesproject.com.