Breaking Ground for a Brighter Tomorrow

Under the golden sun of Puerto Vallarta, hope took root on July 2, 2025, as the Vallarta School for Girls officially broke ground on a brand-new, state-of-the-art campus in Colonia Los Sauces. With laughter in the air and hearts full of purpose, this moment wasn’t just about bricks and mortar, it was about building futures, nurturing dreams, and cementing a legacy of empowerment for generations to come.

What began as a vision under the Girls Education Fund Foundation has blossomed into a movement. The Vallarta School for Girls is more than a school—it is a sanctuary for possibility. With a mission to uplift girls from underserved communities in the region, the school offers not only a bilingual education but also a foundation of confidence, leadership, and opportunity.

More Than a School: A Lifeline for the Future

Here, girls are not statistics, they are leaders in the making. Each student receives free books, uniforms, meals, and supplies, ensuring that the only thing they need to bring is their curiosity and courage. This model of comprehensive support enables students to focus fully on their education and personal development, breaking cycles of poverty and unlocking their full potential.

“Our mission is simple,” says Francie Nguyen, founder and board chair. “We want to give every girl the tools to thrive and the belief that she can change the world.”

From Dream to Reality: The New Campus Rises

Thanks to the talents of Alfonso Aguilar and the team at Home Improvement PV, the dream is becoming a reality. The new campus, set on Calle Golondrinas, will welcome 20 new students, expanding total enrollment to 60 girls. The facility will include modern classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, rooftop gardens, and dedicated spaces for creativity, leadership, and community programming.

“This building represents more than expansion,” Aguilar shared. “It’s about planting the seeds of transformation that will ripple through families, neighborhoods, and the entire Vallarta community.”

A Celebration of Community and Commitment

The groundbreaking ceremony was a heartfelt celebration, bringing together board members, educators, community leaders, and supporters who have stood beside the school since its earliest days. Among the many notable guests were Deborah Cole, Rick Bazaldua, Sylvia Toy, Connie Argus, Thom Barnes, Chiara Montante, Derek Carkner, Cassandra Shaw, Tricia Lyman, Duc Nguyen, Martha Angel, Kevin Anthony, Randy Lee, Tom Montante, Magada Faias Romero, Edward Potocek, Carlos Estrada, Oscar Noriega, Joe Aguilar, and of course, Alfonso Aguilar himself.

Local media including PVEverything.com, Out and About Puerto Vallarta, Vallarta Calendar, and Vallarta Mirror helped amplify the story, capturing the spirit of the day and the mission behind every smile.

Raising the Future: A Community-Wide Effort

Francie Nguyen also shared exciting news from the school’s capital campaign: 65% of the $350,000 goal has already been raised. “The response from this community has been nothing short of miraculous,” she said. “We’re building a future together, and we’re doing it faster than we ever imagined.”

Donations to the campaign help complete the campus construction, while fundraising events throughout the year sustain day-to-day operations like teacher salaries, utilities, meals, and learning resources.

Save the Dates: 3 Unmissable Events

Mark your calendars for the school’s three major fundraising celebrations this season:

• Christmas Garden Party – December 14, 2025

• Stars with a Heart – January 25, 2026

• Black & White Ball – March 2, 2026

These events are more than glamorous nights out—they are opportunities to invest in the future of every girl who walks through the school’s gates.

How You Can Help

Want to be part of something meaningful? Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor falling in love with Puerto Vallarta, your support matters. Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S., eligible for Canadian tax receipts, and facturas are available in Mexico. Every peso, dollar, and gesture of support moves the mission forward.

 Visit www.girlsedfund.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.
Questions? Contact the school at admin@girlsedfund.org

A Final Word

With every shovel of earth, every brick laid, and every girl who dares to dream bigger, the Vallarta School for Girls is shaping a new reality: where education is a right, not a privilege, and every girl has the chance to rise.

The future is bright. And it’s only just beginning.