Our Mission.
The Foundation for Cultural Exchange is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 2004 to promote cultural understanding and solidarity between the people of Western Colorado and El Espino, El Salvador through cultural immersion trips, economic and social, development, promoting education, and formal Sister Organization relationships.
Our goal is to build solidarity and friendship through meaningful support and people-to-people exchange with the people of El Espino who are working towards lasting economic and social development in their community.
Our goal is to build solidarity and friendship through meaningful support and people-to-people exchange with the people of El Espino who are working towards lasting economic and social development in their community.
Our History.
This incredible project began because of the heart and vision of the late David C. Harmon. He led the first group of students from Mesa State College in June of 2004 as part of a Sociology class to El Salvador, where they learned firsthand the reality of El Salvador and fell in love with the small rural community of El Espino. Upon their return, Dave and five of those students worked to keep the flame burning and formed the Foundation for Cultural Exchange. They successfully petitioned the Grand Junction City Council to adopt El Espino as Grand Junction's official Sister City. The years since have been full of exciting projects, trips and once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
Our Activities.
- Yearly cultural immersion trips to El Salvador in which participants take part in a homestay program in El Espino and various educational and cultural activities throughout the country
- The Dave Harmon Memorial Scholarship Fund for High School and University Students in El Espino, as high school is not provided by the Salvadoran government
- Development Projects within El Espino that promote community empowerment and citizen participation
- Emergency Funding after natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes and mudslides
- Sister City Relationship between El Espino & Grand Junction
- Sister School Relationship between Holy Family Catholic School & Fruita 8/9 and the Complejo Educativo General Francisco Menéndez
- Sister Parish Relationship between Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and Parróquia San José El Espino
- Community education activities in the Grand Valley