Supporting Families Through School Breaks

At Hoja Verde, a Fair Trade Certified flower farm in Cayambe, Ecuador, workers use Community Development Funds to care for their families well beyond the workplace. Represented by Corporación Florsabi, the farm's Fair Trade Committee prioritizes projects that directly reflect urgent needs at home. A major focus is creating safe, engaging spaces for children during school breaks and holidays, a time when many parents are working and have few childcare options. Through a collaborative, worker-led process, the committee voted to invest $33,300 USD in 2025 to expand educational and recreational programs for their youth. This initiative features a vacation camp for adolescents ages 12 to 18, alongside a dedicated vacation week for children ages 3 to 11. Altogether, 368 children and teenagers participated. The adolescent camp, now celebrating its fourth year, brought together 90 participants for team building, education, and outdoor exploration. Sofía Álvarez, Fair Trade Officer at Hoja Verde, explained the impact of this camp: "It creates spaces for recreation, learning, and disconnection from technology for the children of workers. For families, it represents real support during school holidays." Luis Farinango, president of the Fair Trade Committee, added, "Having the responsibility that workers trust us with their children means we must ensure safe and appropriate spaces for these activities every year." Blending sports, group challenges, and time in nature, these programs foster personal growth and strong peer connections. Younger children enjoy daily activities near the farm, returning home each afternoon. Meanwhile, teenagers deeply value the experience. "I like coming here because I have fun, meet new people, and being in nature makes me feel at peace," one participant noted. Another reflected, "I realize the efforts my mother makes, and I am proud of her because despite everything, she keeps going." Ultimately, these worker-directed programs offer vital support for working parents while building confidence and well-being in the next generation.