WHY IS VALLEY LAS NUBES BORN?
In Latin America, more than 350,000 children and adolescents live away from their families in different care centers or homes, due to serious violations of their rights, generally associated with mistreatment, abuse, abandonment or severe negligence¹. In most cases, upon reaching 18 years of age they must leave the organization that housed them for years, as if magically a teenager just by going through one day of their life (the day of their 18th birthday). ) acquired all the tools to face adult life. 1
For adolescents without parental care, the transition to adulthood has the characteristic of being accelerated and non-linear. Their educational and work trajectories are common to those observed in groups of vulnerable non-institutionalized youth, such as children from rural communities, where we find school dropouts, sometimes with reintegration into the educational system in adulthood, periods of unemployment, precarious or informal employment, inactivity, a greater need and dependence on social assistance due to the scarcity of economic resources, difficulties in accessing decent housing, difficult access to health devices, among other difficulties, and in many cases forming families at an early age. age, repeating patterns of vulnerability.²
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RELAF - Latin American foster care network.
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Mariana Incarnato and Andrés Segade, "The transition to adult life of adolescents and young people without parental care in Latin America: an experience of regional unity." Study “Building Autonomy” carried out by UNICEF Argentina, FLACSO and Doncel in 2015.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
MISIÓN
We want to foster your independence, your ability to make conscious decisions, and your ability to face challenges with strength and resilience. We hope that they discover passions that drive them and find professions that not only offer them economic stability and personal satisfaction, but also allow them to contribute to the well-being of the community and care for the environment.
VISION
We look forward to a future where every young person, regardless of their background or previous circumstances, has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential and actively contribute to society. We aim to empower these young people not only in practical skills, but also as responsible citizens and entrepreneurs, capable of charting their own path towards a prosperous and fulfilling future.
While we recognize the magnitude of the challenge, we are confident in the significant impact our model can have on the lives of vulnerable young people. With determination and commitment, we are determined to expand our influence and provide hope and opportunity to those who need it most.
OUR START
In her first year, Grace was invited to teach a nutrition workshop at an orphanage, where she met a young woman eager to advance in life, but with few opportunities. This meeting inspired the purpose of Valle las Nubes: to offer a loving and healthy home for young people leaving foster homes.
Since then, numerous young people have lived and worked with us, learning various skills, from growing plants to building and preparing healthy foods. With a focus on nutrition and cultivation, Grace leads this initiative, while Gerardo heads up furniture manufacturing. Alejandra teaches non-violent communication, Beto takes care of the legal procedures and Amparo contributes new recipes to improve our line of healthy foods.
GRACE & GERARDO
FOUNDERS
The pioneers in this project were Grace and Gerardo, who, like many couples, began their lives together working in companies. Grace, with a degree in International Business, specialized in food and bioregulatory medicine, while Gerardo, an actuary by profession, always had a passion for carpentry and blacksmithing. After a decade in the corporate world, they reflected on their purpose and chose to quit, travel, and find meaningful ways to contribute to society.
ALEJANDRA
FOUNDRESS
Upon returning from their trip, they met Alejandra at a workshop on non-violent communication, aimed at supporting boys and girls deprived of their families. Following this connection, Alejandra, who lives and works in Mexico City, enthusiastically joined the Valle las Nubes project. With extensive experience in youth organizations, such as the Valle La Paz Foundation and CEFIA, she previously held the position of Library Director at the ITESM CCM.
AMPARO
& BETO
FOUNDERS
In 2014, after an exhaustive search through different locations in the Mexican Republic, they found a beautiful piece of land on the outskirts of San Miguel de Allende, which they named Valle las Nubes. However, gathering the necessary resources to acquire it was not an easy task. Gerardo's parents, Beto and Amparo, despite considering the project crazy, provided their unconditional support, which made the creation of Valle las Nubes possible. Amparo and Beto, retirees and residents of Mexico City, actively contribute to various tasks, being a fundamental part of the growth and development of this place.
ANDREA
NUEVOS PRODUCTOS
Andrea began living and working at Valle las Nubes in 2015. She is responsible for coordinating the kitchen, participates in nutrition consultations and classes, performs biomagnetic therapy, and co-leads the Temazcal with Marisol. She enjoys teaching the community about healthy eating and learning alongside them how to grow and prepare new foods.
EL EQUIPO
MAYARA
ENLACE CON OTRAS ORGANIZACIONES
With a degree in business administration and certification in project management, this professional has been involved in social projects in Mexico since her arrival five years ago. Her mission is to sow seeds of change in every place she visits, leaving a legacy of love and projects aimed at improving the education of children and adolescents, with the hope of offering them a more promising future.
ANDY Y TERE
ABUELOS
Tere and Andy are like the grandparents of the place, delighting in spoiling and helping the kids. They enjoy working with them, taking them on outings, and treating them to sweets they can't find at home.
Tere also shares her knowledge of macramé and sewing, encouraging the girls and showing them that they can create magic with their hands and creativity.
ROSA
COCINERA
Rosa joined the family in 2014, bringing her kitchen experience and quickly mastering plant-based cooking. Every day, she prepares delicious meals for the whole family, enjoyed around the table with stories and laughter. Cooking for both the family and VECO México is her favorite part of Valle las Nubes. Rosa believes in the importance of healthy eating as it keeps our bodies well.
"I love working at Valle las Nubes because of the people—they're like my children. I love them, and I feel like part of a family. I enjoy being here and hope to continue working for many more years."
DORITO
CONSTRUCTOR
Don Dorito, as everyone knows him, has become essential in building the house for the kids, the carpentry and blacksmith workshop, the VECO kitchen, the rainwater cistern, and every construction project needed. More importantly, he has become the kids' grandfather figure, who cherish his company and affection. Always ready to help with a big smile, he's a beloved part of the community.
VÍCTOR
CONSTRUCTOR
ChatGPT
Don Víctor is the perfect partner for Don Dorito, helping to turn our dreams into reality. Though he may seem serious, spending a little time with him reveals his kind heart and humor, making him the favorite uncle. He loves to spoil the kids, and every day at noon, he's the most anticipated because he brings the "contraband" of sodas, chips, bread, or cookies that they enjoy in secret. Additionally, he’s an expert in milpa, chili planting, and possesses many secrets of the land.
GABY Y JOSÉ LUIS
ABOGADOS
Our trusted attorneys and active donors are always ready to support as needed and are committed to the development of the youth.
Their guidance and dedication allow us to continue growing the educational center while adhering to all regulations and maintaining the required transparency.
TEACHERS AND COLLABORATORS
ALINE
DOCTOR
A doctor by profession and a motherly figure to all the youth, she not only provides support when someone on the team is ill but also serves as a trusted counselor and confidante for each of them.
Her presence is a fundamental pillar, always ready to listen, guide, and offer unconditional care.
ADRIANA
COOKING TEACHER
With two decades of experience in teaching, this teacher stands out for teaching classes on the preparation of products derived from fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat at the preparatory level. During their classes, young people explore a wide range of culinary techniques, from preparing jams and fruits in syrup to creating sweets based on tamarind and guava, as well as pickled chilies, sauces, cheeses, yogurt, pork sausages. and a variety of bakery products. Its main objective is to share with its students the best practices for preparing tasty and healthy foods, avoiding the use of chemical preservatives.
JATZIRY
AGRICULTURE TEACHER
Jatziry Marlene Gracian Negrete es bióloga por la UNAM y Maestra en Ciencias por el IPN, con nueve artículos publicados. Ha trabajado en consultorías ambientales y la Secretaría del Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México, liderando proyectos en el Bosque de Chapultepec.
En San Miguel de Allende, desarrolló una huerta orgánica en el Rancho Luna del restaurante Mama Mia e impartió clases con Atelier. En Uruguay, participó en proyectos de huertas orgánicas y ganó un concurso con ANDE para construir un deshidratador solar.
Actualmente, da clases de ciencias y huerta en San Miguel de Allende, fomentando la curiosidad científica a través de la observación y la experimentación básica.
EDUARDO
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE TEACHER
With an outstanding 40-year career in the field of medicinal plants, this professional not only works as a teacher, but also as a therapist specialized in this field. He has a master's degree in Holistic Medicine obtained at the University of Tlaxcala, where he deepened his knowledge of the comprehensive approach to health. His experience and dedication have led him to be internationally recognized in countries such as India, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Mexico, where his deep understanding and application of traditional medicine have positioned him as an authority on the subject.
CECILIO
WELDING TEACHER
Specializing in TIG, MIG, oxy-acetylene, and manual arc welding systems, with 25 years of experience. He offers his services in San Miguel de Allende, where he has been involved in the construction of large water tanks, ducts, and other projects that demand high skill to ensure quality and safety.
SUZANNE
PLANTS GUIDE
A student of life's mysteries, she was born in Australia and now resides in Mexico, exploring the natural cycles and patterns of death and rebirth, leading her towards a deeper, simpler, and more joyful humanity.
For many years, she has studied poetry, dreams, mythology, and astrology. Recently, she has been immersed in the enchanting world of floral essences, herbs, vegetables, and gardening.
Her goal is to offer a beautiful tribute through her life by sharing the wonderful patterns she discovers in life and her surroundings, as well as offering delicious recipes.
JAVIER
MUSIC TEACHER
Born in the Federal District, now Mexico City (CDMX), he studied music at the Casa de Cultura de San Cristóbal in Ecatepec and at the Escuela Nacional de Música at UNAM. He served as director of the Espacio Alternativo del Norte and has been teaching music at Yamaha de México since 1992. He has also been an art education teacher in the private sector since 1995. As a musician, he has played in various genres, including bolero, rock, and blues, and has collaborated with artists such as Xava Drago, Gabriel Marian, and Salvador Moreno. Currently, he conducts rondalla workshops in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
SOLE
FERMENTATION AND NATURAL COSMETICS TEACHER
Sole, originally from Galicia, has thrived in Mexico for the past 10 years as a Doctor in Plant Biology. Since 2015, she has coordinated the SOMOS Semilla Community Seed Library with three other women. In 2018, she began offering workshops on simple living, focusing on cosmetic alchemy, home cleaning, herbalism, natural dyes, self-care, and fermentation, which led to the creation of Fermentos DA MEIGA. She is currently an online fermentation instructor at The Fermentation School, continually learning about cycles, transformation, nature, and respect through her work.
ERIK
AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION TEACHER
Erik Mariñelarena tiene más de dos décadas en la industria del cine y la producción audiovisual, con proyectos reconocidos en festivales como Sundance y Cannes. Es Licenciado en Estudios de Cine por la Universidad de Hartford y tiene una doble Maestría en Guionismo y Cinefotografía por la UDC, CDMX. Actualmente, es candidato a Doctor en Investigación en Medios por la Universidad de Cambridge.
Fundó Eru Digital en 2006 y dirige E Corp Studio desde 2000. Ha impartido clases en la H. Academia de San Carlos, La Esmeralda, el CUEC (hoy ENAC UNAM) y SAE Instituto México.
Como docente, inspira y apoya a jóvenes en el desarrollo de sus habilidades y creatividad en el mundo audiovisual.
ARTURO
CHEMISTRY TEACHER
With a background in chemistry and a calling as a therapist. A curious individual who finds great satisfaction in discovering new ways to help and sharing knowledge with those eager to learn.
He understands that more than half of medical conditions can be attributed to specific nutrient deficiencies. Herecognizes that vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are essential for the body's formation and self-repair.
GRACE
COLLABORATOR
Lupita has worked in high schools in northeastern Guanajuato for 18 years, firmly believing that education is the foundation of community development. She has collaborated with civil associations on environmental, social, and productive projects, always mindful of minimizing her impact on Mother Earth.
She supports natural and organic practices, aligning with the worldview of indigenous peoples. Lupita is convinced that individual and community growth stems from the internal harmony between humans and their environment, guided by Consciousness and Love.
LUPITA
COLLABORATOR
Lupita has worked in high schools in northeastern Guanajuato for 18 years, firmly believing that education is the foundation of community development. She has collaborated with civil associations on environmental, social, and productive projects, always mindful of minimizing her impact on Mother Earth.
She supports natural and organic practices, aligning with the worldview of indigenous peoples. Lupita is convinced that individual and community growth stems from the internal harmony between humans and their environment, guided by Consciousness and Love.
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