ABOUT US

We are a non-profit organization, founded in 2004, dedicated to improving the quality of life of small coffee producers and coffee pickers, while raising awareness among the supply chain stakeholders on the most relevant issues of the industry in Guatemala. We have focused our work in the 3 most important coffee regions of Guatemala: Oriente, Atitlán and Huehuetenango, investing directly into the projects, on average, more than 90% of the funds raised.

To design and implement projects and programs that improve the working conditions and lives of coffee pickers and producers, as well as the communities in which they live, so that they have a fair lifestyle.

To be a role model before other local and international organizations regarding methodologies and principles used for the design and implementation of projects that strengthen the coffee industry.

1. To improve the coffee production and selling conditions for producers with low income.
2. To strengthen education and business training for women in order to empower them and hence for them to be able to improve their lifestyle.
3. To create the necessary opportunities for children's development so their future is better than their parents'.
4. To collaborate along with different community groups identifying and solving priority local issues.
5. To raise the value of the workforce behind the coffee industry in Guatemala.

We provide alternative solutions for the biggest necessities or concerns that communities and farmers identify in their daily lives. Our job begins by guiding them through a participatory methodology, and then we raise awareness on the consequences of those particular issues. We motivate and empower women and men to improve their situation by offering them an opportunity for change, and then we leave them to make their own choices. We improve their life conditions not only while they work on coffee plantations, but also at their own homes.

This is our philosophy, the set of rules that define the work we do:

• – We respect everyone’s beliefs and life philosophy. We never impose what we consider to be best for others.
• Dependency on external aid cannot break the cycle of poverty.
• – Long term coffee supply can only be ensured through the fair distribution of benefits for all stakeholders.
• – Capacity building and education are the keys to awareness, and thus development.
• – Sustainability can only be achieved if people make their own decisions, based on awareness.
• – Our team and staff are just as important as the communities we work with.
• – We give our best to make our donors feel proud.
• – We believe donations should go directly to the communities, not the administration. This is why at least 92% of the donations is invested directly in the projects.

Based on our twelve-year experience, we have built a team that understands both the human and economic needs that communities face. Our team members are experts on sustainable development, environmental engineering, social work, and education, among others.

Bobby Sandoval

Executive Director

Lesly Palacios

Regional Coordinator

BACHELOR IN SOCIAL WORK
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala

Marta Pérez

Clinic Manager

BA – GALILEO UNIVERSITY
3rd year, Nursing