ABOUT US
What is LADLE?
Los Amigos de la Esquina (LADLE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing positive tools for children in the Yucatán Peninsula through Art, Environmental, and Wellness activities, promoting holistic development in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms.
Mission
To empower and improve the quality of life of the children of Tulum by fostering inclusion, cross-cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and cognitive and socio-emotional development.
Our Values
Integration
Can we speak of integration if there is no integration in our hearts and minds? Unless you have this, all you have is physical presence, and the walls between us are as high as the mountains.
— Chief Dan George
Respect
The respect you give to others is a clear reflection of the respect you give to yourself. — Buddha
Collaboration
If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together.
— Chinese proverb
Sharing
The more we share, the more we have.
— Leonard Nimoy
Pedagogical Foundations
Positive Psychology
Inspired by Martin Seligman, Duckworth, Peterson & Fredrickson, focusing on seven character strengths:
Gratitude – Curiosity – Social Intelligence – Enthusiasm – Optimism – Self-regulation – Perseverance.
Promotes human strengths and virtues, improving quality of life and encouraging children to contribute positively to their communities.
Conscious Discipline
Based on Dr. Becky Bailey’s seven powers:
Perception – Unity – Attention – Freedom – Love – Acceptance – Intention.
Helps children develop problem-solving skills, respectful communication, and emotional expression. Daily phrases include: “We have a problem and we’re going to solve it.”
Our Story: LADLE Foundation
It all began in a magical and unexpected way in 2016. Jaime Kohen and Francisco Rocha arrived in Tulum searching for a new adventure and a project of their own. After acquiring a corner lot in the neighborhood and starting to clean it up, something beautiful happened: local children began to gather around, curious and eager to help.
First came Giovanni; then three children joined, then ten, and soon the space was filled with kids every day. Through play, painting, and teamwork, the corner transformed into a gathering place for the community.
In early 2017, Claudia Martínez joined the initiative, helping to give the project structure and vision. That same year, Los Amigos de la Esquina (LADLE) was officially founded as a nonprofit organization, staying true to the essence that gave it life: an open space where the community comes together to learn, create, and grow.
Over time, more people joined to strengthen the mission and focus on children: the seeds of the present and the bridge between past and future. Today, we honor all the hands and hearts that have sowed hope in this special corner of Tulum.
Our Community Building: La Esquina
La Esquina was born in 2021 from the vision of a wonderful team of people. LADLE team, together with Jonathan Kubler — known for the Mom I’m Fine project — launched an international architecture competition organized by a Spanish NGO specialized in social architecture. Over 200 architects participated, and the winning design came from Malaysia.
During the pandemic, with an initial €50,000 raised by Mom I’m Fine and additional support from donors worldwide, the project was built by local architect Armando Uribe and his team at Wave Studio in Tulum. One year later, we completed the rooftop terrace. Later, a Venezuelan artist-in-residence created the iconic TAP mural.
Every detail of the building was made possible through donations from people around the world — each contribution becoming part of the heart of La Esquina. The building itself carries a message of environmental awareness, reducing plastic and honoring nature in every detail.
Our Incredible Staff Members
