Student-led San Diego nonprofit marks year-end celebration of 2025 collaboration with Children Without Borders Academy in Tijuana

Joyful cross-border collaboration was celebrated as the nonprofit organization The Lumos Initiative, led by students from San Diego local high schools, recently visited the Children Without Borders (CWB) Academy in Tijuana, Mexico, to support children through education, creativity, and cultural exchange.

This occasion was only one of the multiple events that have been co-hosted by The Lumos Initiative and Children Without Borders organizations: The Lumos Initiative has dedicated their time to visiting the CWB school and working directly with the attending students. The volunteers of the initiative led hands-on activities in coding, robotics, arts and crafts, and other cultural activities. Additionally, the organization also previously helped coordinate a mural painting project that transformed the exterior walls of the school, creating a brighter and more inspiring learning environment.

Along with The Lumos Initiative, SoCal Martial Hearts, a fellow student nonprofit organization, joined the event and together donated several useful supplies for the school, including soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, and knee pads. Such contributions have supported the CWB students’ physical education and recreational activities.

The festive event took place on Dec. 13, and The Lumos Initiative members that participated consisted of high schoolers Kate Zhao, Ella Huang, Claire Wang, Terri Sun and Michelle Ji, and college students Albert Li and Anthony Li.

Specifically, the event featured STEM, art, and culture-related activities, including drone programming, face painting, and Chinese calligraphy. Most notably was the cultural exchange that took place during lunch, in which students and volunteers had a chance to share Mexican and Chinese cuisine with one another and display impressive cultural performances. The event truly highlighted the spirit of unity and collaboration across borders.

Jeff, the owner of CWB School, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in the celebration, exclaiming that “Seeing the laughter and the smiles on the kids’ faces made everything worth it. Those moments are a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. I want to give a special thank you to the Lumos team for your participation, dedication, and heart. Please know how deeply grateful I am for all your hard work.”

Looking ahead, the Lumos Initiative is committed to deepening its impact by partnering with additional nonprofit organizations to support and uplift the CWB community. Plans are already in motion for a successful 2026, driven by a steadfast dedication to expanding opportunities and bringing joy to even more children facing similar challenges.

— Kate Zhao, the writer of this report, is a member of The Lumos Initiative