"Raising children out of poverty through housing, infrastructure, and education to provide a chance at a better life through learned skills and career opportunities."
Chalco, Mexico
This is more than a building. It’s a bridge to opportunity. Help us build it.
Chalco Nursing School Project
Little Way Children’s Foundation’s (LWCF) goal is to build a nursing school for girls from the poorest regions of Mexico. Many would not otherwise have access to higher education or a path out of poverty.
More than 3,200 girls from some of the most impoverished communities in Mexico are given a rare opportunity to attend an all-girls boarding school in Chalco, Mexico. Many come from families who survive by selling goods on the streets or scavenging landfills. These girls face serious risks, including gang violence, domestic abuse, human trafficking, and the drug trade.
They often lack access to nutritious food and basic health care, and they are at high risk of disease, malnutrition, and violence. Their mortality rates are significantly higher than the national average.
This opportunity for a better life is made possible through a foundation established by the Venerable Fr. Aloysius Schwartz and the Sisters of Mary of Banneux. The Sisters travel in pairs to remote and underserved areas to identify girls in the most desperate situations and invite them to attend Villas de las Niñas, a tuition-free boarding school.
The school provides housing, nutrition, health care, mental health services, religious formation, and a full academic curriculum. Students study language, chemistry, physics, calculus, computer science, and the arts. They graduate with a high school equivalency and vocational training in trades such as accounting, culinary arts, electronics, and fashion.
Students also participate in soccer, field hockey, taekwondo, basketball, dance, and other sports, often earning national recognition. Many graduates receive scholarships and go on to earn university degrees in fields such as engineering.
Our visits to the school have shown us there is a strong interest in nursing and dental services among students. Currently, there is no academic or vocational path available for them to pursue that interest. Building a nursing school along with a dental services program on the campus is our next step.
Help us meet this need. Your gift today supports a dedicated nursing facility that will prepare students for meaningful careers in health care and dental services.
Serving Those Most in Need
The students at Chalco represent some of the most vulnerable children in Mexico and around the world. The school offers a proven approach to identifying children in greatest need and supporting them with long-term educational and emotional care.
The school accepts only one child per family, allowing it to serve as many households as possible. In turn, graduates often return to support their families and communities, extending the impact of their education.
Use of Existing Infrastructure
The school’s program is led by the Sisters of Banneux, who serve as caregivers and mentors. They work alongside skilled teachers, doctors, therapists, and coaches.
By building on this existing infrastructure, projects funded by LWCF maximize impact. Funds raised go directly to the nursing school’s development, not to duplicating systems that already work.
Donations to this project are used efficiently and effectively, thanks to a strong foundation already in place. Every dollar helps build the school and staff its classrooms.
Education That Lasts for Generations
The nursing school will open a new path for young women to pursue stable, respected careers in a field where there is high demand. It will also contribute to improved health outcomes in underserved areas.
Support for this project will have long-term benefits. Graduates will enter the workforce with practical skills and the opportunity to pursue additional training in Mexico, the United States, and other countries.
Project Identification and Development
Since January 2025, LWCF has worked with the Sisters of Banneux to identify needs and draft design documents for a 30,000-square-foot, three-story nursing school.
Fundraising
LWCF has launched a campaign to raise US$4 million to fund construction.
Project Design and Bidding
We developed and published bid documents, assisted with contractor review and selection, and contributed to construction contract development.
Construction Management and Oversight
Construction is scheduled to begin May 15, 2025, and finish by Dec. 15, 2025. LWCF will provide an on-site construction manager to coordinate with the contractor and the Sisters during the project.
Graduate and Career Placement
LWCF is building partnerships with nursing schools in the United States that are interested in accepting graduates from the Chalco program. One U.S. school has already committed.
This is more than a building. It’s a bridge to opportunity. Help us build it.
January 9, 2025
LWCF meets with the Sisters of Mary of Banneux in Chalco to discuss the project and develop a plan.
February 21, 2025
Preliminary floor plans and renderings are finalized; LWCF meets with the Sisters in Chalco.
March 16, 2025
LWCF participates in the nursing school groundbreaking ceremony on the 33rd anniversary of Father Aloysius Schwartz’s passing.
March 18, 2025
LWCF kicks off fundraising for the project
March 28, 2025
Bid documents are completed and the request for proposals is issued.
April 16, 2025
LWCF responds to contractor questions.
April 30, 2028
LWCF receives bids from seven contractors, with construction costs estimated at US $4 million.
May 9, 2028
Contractor is selected.
May 16, 2028
Construction kickoff meeting is held.
Ready to Donate?
Join us in providing a life-changing education. Your support will help create a professional path for the next generation of nurses and dental professionals.
To speak with donor advisor about making your gift, email:
Funds raised support the Sisters of Mary World Villages for Children Nursing School Infrastructure project in Chalco, Mexico. Little Way Children’s Foundation is an independent tax-exempt organization.