Posted on May 23rd, 2025
a) A Milestone of Hope and Perseverance
On April 10, five young students—Victoria González Zárate, Anayeli Monzón García, Emanuel González Zárate, Luis Alberto González Soria, and Luis Mario Bocanegra Hernández—celebrated their graduation from high school through a unique and empowering educational program made possible by the Don Diego Community Foundation in alliance with the YouthBuild Association.
This achievement is more than an academic milestone; it is a testament to the power of opportunity and resilience. These students, each facing personal and structural challenges that would have made success in a traditional high school unlikely or impossible, found in our Education Center a path forward—one shaped by personalized attention, community support, and an unwavering belief in their potential.
While the Don Diego Community Foundation is primarily focused on after-school educational programs for public school students aged 5 to 16, providing academic reinforcement and a safe, nurturing space for learning, this high school initiative represents an expanded effort to reach youth who have fallen outside the traditional school system. Many of our regular students go on to complete high school in public institutions; however, the five graduates we celebrate today followed an alternative educational pathway designed specifically for young people who were unable to remain in the conventional school system.
Some of these young people had to leave school due to life circumstances—like a teenage girl who became a mother and later returned to study with us, now caring for her child while reclaiming her education. Others, like those who must work during the day to help support their families, benefit from the flexibility of our blended model, which combines online learning with personalized in-person support.
The graduation ceremony, honored by the presence of officials from the Secretariat of Public Education of the State of Guanajuato, was both moving and symbolic. Government representatives praised the students’ courage and encouraged them to continue their academic pursuits at the university level. Inspired by this recognition and driven by a newfound confidence, our graduates are already charting their next steps with purpose and hope. They are determined not only to continue learning but to lead lives of meaning and contribution.
b) Youth in Action: Raising Awareness for the Planet
Among our exceptional graduates, Victoria González Zárate once again shone through her leadership. On March 7, alongside fellow YouthBuild students, she co-led the workshop “Caring for Our Environment,” an initiative aimed at awakening ecological awareness among the local community.
The workshop, held at our Foundation, explored urgent themes such as environmental stewardship and animal welfare. It was deeply inspiring to witness the genuine curiosity and engagement of young children from the village as they participated in open discussions about climate change, conservation, and their role in protecting the Earth.
The event concluded with a joyful rally and a heartfelt community gathering—moments that reminded us how education, when rooted in empathy and relevance, not only informs minds but ignites spirits.
At the Don Diego Community Foundation, we believe that education is not a privilege, but a right—and a key to dignity and transformation. These graduates embody that belief. Their stories affirm that, with the right support, no barrier is insurmountable. Together, we continue to build a future where every young person, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to learn, grow, and shine.
