My father, the founder of AgroAmerica, didn’t just grow fruit, he also planted ideas and nurtured dreams. One of his greatest aspirations was to bring education to rural areas and help reduce poverty in the communities where we operate. That dream became a reality 14 years ago with the creation of the Mojarras School, built for the children of AgroAmerica’s workers in Retalhuleu, Guatemala.
“Study, work hard, be persistent, and help others,” my father often told his grandchildren—words that also left a lasting impression on my siblings and me. With this philosophy in mind, education has become one of the cornerstones of our corporate sustainability program. La Escuelita (the “little school”), as we affectionately called it, was our first corporate social responsibility project.
Every year, stories like that of Meily Aide Boche Gaspar fill us with pride and inspire us to continue investing in the education of children in the areas where we operate. Meily, a fourth grader at Mojarras School, is a living example of how education can transform lives. At just 10 years old, she stands out for her leadership and commitment to her community, actively participating in her school’s Student Government.
This year, Meily competed in the reading contest of Funcafe’s ERA program, a regional event where schools test their students’ skills. With her love for reading and unwavering determination, she won third place in her category, a remarkable achievement that reflects the impact of quality education on her life.
But Meily dreams big. She doesn’t just want to excel in school; she aspires to become a flight attendant, to travel the world and discover other cultures. “I want to visit many countries, talk to people from different places, and learn about their customs,” she says with a smile full of hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t just open doors—it ignites dreams that transcend borders.
At Mojarras School, children don’t just learn to read and write; they develop leadership skills and life values. The school stays up to date with the latest educational advances, using a student-focused methodology that fosters immersion and community engagement. Parents also play a vital role in this process, actively participating in their children’s education. This involvement has led to notable improvements in academic performance and resulted in the creation of the “School for Parents,” a project that has received local and international recognition for its comprehensive approach.
Supporting Children Beyond Borders
Our commitment to child education doesn’t stop in Guatemala. In all the countries where we operate, we support local schools and donate bananas to supplement school meals. Additionally, we provide training for mothers and children through various social programs. Last year, nearly 6,000 children benefited from our social programs, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
As we celebrate International Children’s Day on November 20, as declared by the United Nations, I take pride as the CEO of AgroAmerica in our active contribution to Sustainable Development Goal #4: “Ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Following the pandemic, this goal has gained even greater importance, particularly in developing countries where school dropout rates have risen significantly in rural areas due to economic factors, migration, health issues, and lack of interest.
At AgroAmérica, we remain committed to empowering the next generation because we know that today’s classrooms are where tomorrow’s leaders are born.
Just as Meily dreams of flying, I invite everyone to inspire children to dream, because each one of them deserves the opportunity to spread their wings.
Happy Children’s Day!