About

The Americas Foundation founded in 1989 is dedicated  to promoting binational community development at the US/Mexico border and giving direct aid to disadvantaged children. Our principal projects are the founding, building and sustaining of the La Esperanza schools of Tijuana; the Jardin de Niños La Esperanza kindergarten and Colegio La Esperanza elementary school which offer full Arts program combined with academics. The schools renowned for their beautiful architecture are located in Colonia La Esperanza in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, nine miles south of the San Diego, CA border.

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The plan of the La Esperanza schools is to provide poor children with the opportunity to develop their different talents, and give them an example of a positive community service project, so that in thirty years they will create effective and beautiful social institutions that are needed;  hospitals, museums, universities, schools, or parks, and likewise dedicate themselves to activities constructive to their communities.  The Americas Foundation works with volunteers, other nonprofit organizations such as the Ilan Lael Foundation and schools such as the Coronado School of the Arts in both San Diego, CA and Tijuana, Mexico to create cultural events and educational programs to benefit youth in the dynamic border region.

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The La Esperanza schools were founded to create a social institution in an unorganized, unincorporated, unrecognized yet highly populated area.  The recognition that Art and Music are elements that transcend class barriers led The Americas Foundation to create beautiful school architecture that everyone would appreciate and value.  Famous artists like James Hubbell conduct  ongoing monthly volunteer, construction workdays.  Art is also incorporated into all educational and development programs.  Two cultural festivals are sponsored by the Americas Foundation, one in the fall featuring the cuisine, dance, and music of Mexico and one in the Spring that focusses on the culture and Arts of an international region.  The Spring international festivals often feature an original full length children's ballet based on major children's literature from around the world such as The Jungle Book, Aladdin, Don Quixote, Alice in Wonderland, etc.

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Construction of the La Esperanza schools focuses on making the schools a community resource for Arts and Education in the San Diego/Tijuana region.   Work is ongoing on the Marucana Arts building and amphitheater that serve the schools and host workshops for Arts teachers and community service groups.  A multi purpose dance studio is also in the plans for the kindergarten location.

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The Americas Foundation depends on the donations of individuals, small Foundations, Social Service Clubs, alumni groups and scholarship sponsors to support  the La Esperanza schools' programs, construction of arts and educational facilities and  help out families desperately in need.   During the past 30 years over 4000 students have attended the La Esperanza school on half to full scholarships and benefited from programs designed to develop their multiple intelligences.   The work of the Americas Foundation has been in the vanguard of community service and provides a beacon of hope for people living at the US/Mexico border.