Opening Doors to Higher Education

Coffee producers belonging to Cooperativa Cafetalera Capucas Limitada (COCAFCAL) in Copán, Honduras, have long viewed education as a meaningful investment in their community's future. In a rural region where distance and economic barriers often limit access to higher education, local leaders and community members worked together to create new pathways for young people to continue their studies without leaving home. In 2016, COCAFCAL helped launch the first university telecenter in a rural area of Honduras through the creation of the UNAH Virtual Classroom in Capucas. The initiative grew from a partnership between COCAFCAL, Fundación Amigos del Café, and the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). UNAH contributes technical support, teaching staff, and educational frameworks for virtual degree programs. Together, these partners built a local learning center where students from Capucas and surrounding communities can access university courses online. Nearly a decade later, coffee producers continue to sustain this initiative through Fair Trade. In 2025, COCAFCAL invested $5,480 USD of Community Development Funds to support the ongoing operation of the Virtual Classroom and broaden educational access for the next generation. By keeping higher education within reach of the local community, the cooperative reinforces its role as a driver of regional development and helps young people build the professional skills needed to shape the long-term future of the region.