File photo showing Juan Velaso (right) at work teaching adults in Puerto Palomas how to write a business plan and create businesses.
by Suzanne Dulle
Juan Velasco used the whiteboard to educate, particularly helping potential entrepreneurs with their businesses.
Students in Palomas who are desirous of pursuing a higher education will soon have that opportunity, thanks to the establishment of the Velasco Education Fund, in memory of Juan Velasco.
For the past 21 years, Velasco has been tireless in supporting educational and community based projects. In 2003, he and his wife started a small not-for-profit organization which awarded university scholarships to students in Juan’s native Bolivia. Later, he expanded his work to Palomas, where he taught business development classes and assisted with other efforts to benefit the community. He focused on providing the opportunity of higher education to many, many deserving students.
Juan Velasco died unexpectedly last summer at the age of 81. To keep alive his unfailing interest in education on all levels, as well as his deep love and commitment to the people of Palomas, his wife, Suzanne Dulle, recently proposed the establishment of the Velasco Education Fund. We are happy to report that the proposed fund was approved at the most recent Border Partner’s Board meeting!
Velasco Education Fund
An important component of the fund will include the award of scholarships to deserving students who want to pursue a higher level of education in universities and/or trade schools in Mexico. Awards will be based on financial need, good grades, as well as personal interviews. Additionally, the fund may be used for students within schools in the community of Palomas itself, such as funding for uniforms, books, and other needed school supplies.
The fund is being initially seeded with a small donation from Juan’s Estate, along with donations from various Velasco family members. We are hopeful that continuing donations to the Education Fund from our donors will ensure that it will be sustained over many years!
If you are interested in supporting this important effort, please donate to Border Partners, and specify that your donation is for the “Velasco Education Fund.”
THANK YOU for your continuing vital support of our educational work in Palomas.