Leading banana purveyor, Chiquita, runs an educational aid programme reaching out to the children of its farm workers.
By 2020, the company’s educational aid goal is to reach 100 schools and 20,000 children. So far, it’s on track with 33 schools supported through better infrastructure and learning materials.
In Costa Rica and Guatemala, Chiquita provides school children a special kit containing many of the basic materials required by the Education Ministry, while in Panama and Honduras, it provides scholarships.
“We believe that educating children is one simple way we can make the greatest impact on the families and communities of our employees,” said Jamie Postell, Chiquita’s director of sales North America.
“By starting on our own farms with pilot projects, we intend to expand our programme to even more countries,” he added.
The company doesn’t just stop at education however, as in Costa Rica children in the banana farm neighbourhoods are able to receive visual and dental care, education, and free teeth cleaning kits.
