Practical Skills and Scholarships

Tomato workers at NatureSweet Invernaderos S de RL de CV in Jalisco, Mexico directed $188,400 USD in Community Development Funds toward a comprehensive education and skills development project for associates and their families. Through a needs assessment, workers identified education as a priority for 24.8% of participants. The Fair Trade Committee reviewed the findings and proposed a program to support students at different levels while also strengthening practical skills that can contribute to household income and stability. Workers approved the allocation through their established decision making process. The project awarded scholarships to 57 high school students, 40 elementary and middle school students, and 30 engineering university students. Students who were already enrolled in school received additional support through school supplies, basic food baskets, and housing materials to help families manage related costs. By combining financial assistance with essential goods, the initiative aimed to reduce barriers that can disrupt educational continuity. In addition, the program included life skills workshops designed to expand practical income generating opportunities. A total of 118 beneficiaries participated in courses such as appliance repair, balloon decoration, and basic barbering. These trainings provided hands on skills that can be applied within the community. Across scholarships and workshops, the project reached hundreds of associates and family members. Impact is measured through the number of scholarships awarded and people trained, with the goal of strengthening educational retention while building practical skills that support long term economic and housing stability.