How Fair Trade Funds Support Workers Children

At Hoja Verde, a vibrant flower farm in Cayambe, Ecuador, workers view education as a powerful, long-term investment for their families. Through the worker-led Fair Trade Committee, which manages the Fair Trade Premium, staff members consistently select education projects to support their children's learning and development. María Inés Quinatoa, a dedicated employee of 22 years, has watched these vital decisions transform into real opportunities. As a single mother of three, she combined her hard work with Fair Trade programs to secure her family's future. Education remains a deeply valued priority year after year. In 2025, the committee invested $50,500 USD of Community Development Funds to provide 465 children with school supplies, scholarships, and university support. This comprehensive program covers primary and secondary school needs, alongside higher education opportunities. Workers can also access continuing education and personal loans. María Inés utilized these resources to create stability. She took out a loan to build a foundation for her family, while education funds kept her children in school. "At the beginning, the first thing I did was take a loan of $5,000 USD to buy land. My children received school supplies, backpacks, and shoes. Then all three of them continued studying through these programs." Today, the results are tangible. Her eldest son works as a high-end bicycle mechanic collaborating with international professional cycling teams. Her second child studied business administration, and her youngest is finishing a law degree. Inspired by this progress, María Inés even returned to school herself to continue her own education. Looking at her family's success, she offers a clear message: “To consumers, I would like them to always buy flowers with the Fair Trade [Certified] label because that brings benefits to flower workers. Our work is demanding, but with your purchases we can expand more projects and provide education for our children. I wish all flower customers chose Fair Trade.” For families like Maria's, these investments directly reduce financial pressure, build stable livelihoods, and open doors to professional careers.