Many of the people we partner with have seasonal jobs on various types of farms. Some work with rice, peanuts, and plantains. Others work with coffee. 

I recently had the chance to pick coffee and let me tell you – it is not easy! Not only do you have to walk through tall plants on steep hills with a huge basket tied to the front of you, but you must delicately pull each little pod off the plant so as not to damage the plant. To pick the equivalent of one pound of coffee, it could take up to an hour. Typically, workers are paid by the number of baskets they fill, so they work diligently to pick all that they can.

I spent about an hour in the coffee field, imagining what it is like for our partners to do this as their job. The picking season lasts three to four months each year, and most pickers are not able to find work the rest of the year. That means whatever money the workers earn during coffee picking season is what their family must live off for the next year.

This experience reminded me just how vital our programs are for these communities.

Families find it nearly impossible to visit the doctor, buy food and school supplies, or build a secure house with their limited income. Through our healthcare, nutrition, education, economic development, housing, and faith development programs, we are able to meet people where they’re at and help their family gradually develop. They no longer have to make the weighty decision of whether to purchase needed medicine or food for their family’s next meal. Over time, families become independent through diversified income sources and a mindset of growth.

We are grateful for our farmers, and we are overjoyed when their families step into a brighter future. If you would like to partner with us to provide our programs to more communities, make a donation online today.

Megan Herrera, President