Educational Support That Keeps Learning Within Reach

Since 2021, workers at Divemex have directed their Community Development Funds toward an Educational Support Program, locally known as Apoyo Educativo. The program addresses a common challenge in agricultural communities where education is often cut short by economic pressures. For households balancing seasonal income with daily expenses, costs such as school supplies, transportation, and tuition can become significant barriers. Through this initiative, workers identified education as a practical priority linked to stability and long-term opportunity for their families. The program offers scholarships to workers and their family members enrolled in primary, secondary, high school, or university studies. These scholarships are tied to academic performance and are designed to support students committed to completing their education. The decisions are made collectively, with the funds intended to ease direct educational costs rather than replace household income. In 2021, workers approved an investment of $21,060 USD for the program, which continues to be in high demand. The initial goal was to reach 253 workers and their families at Divemex Etzatlan across multiple education levels. Encouraged by her colleagues, Graciela Sánchez, a 13-year employee at Divemex, decided to enroll with the support available through Fair Trade to complete her high school education. “My coworkers suggested that I complete high school with Fair Trade support. I took the step to enroll, they supported me with some money, and after two years, when I earned my certificate, I was promoted at work,” she explained. “I would not have been able to do this otherwise, because I have to pay for my children’s education, and I would not have had enough for my own studies as well.” Earning her diploma qualified Graciela for a promotion to apuntadora (person who registers the daily production), a role she had been interested in but previously lacked the technical requirements for this position. By reducing financial hurdles, this project helps workers and their children stay in school and complete their studies. Over time, access to education strengthens skills, expands career pathways, and supports greater economic security for farmworker families and their communities.