With the aim of developing technical and behavioral skills in women from the communities in areas influenced by the Monte Rosa Mill, our two mills worked together last year to adapt the Tractor Operator School created by Ingenio Pantaleón in Guatemala. This program is part of the Community Schools that Ingenio Pantaleón has developed under its “Sowing Skills, Transforming Lives” program. The objective is to contribute to improving the skills and capabilities of women in communities surrounding our operations so that they can access employment opportunities in non-traditional roles.
We are promoting the empowerment of community women through technical agro-industrial training. In January 2024, we conducted the first open call in the Ramón Salvatierra, Norwich, Toro Blanco, La Pedrera, Campirano Norte, and Pedro Pablo Martínez communities in Nicaragua. The team in Nicaragua focuses on women over the age of 18, with a minimum academic level of a high school diploma, who are willing to learn to operate agricultural machinery to access job opportunities in the area.
During the first call, we successfully recruited 98 women eager to learn, showcasing their desire to learn and continue growing. From this group, we selected 20 women who will initiate Module I, focusing on the theoretical part of the course. Subsequently, Module II will be developed, where theory will be reinforced through practical exercises. It is worth noting that throughout the training, which takes place from February to April, women will learn various topics with a gender perspective. They will receive 200 hours of training, divided into theoretical and practical modules, with professional instructors experienced in harvest training and education. Participants will acquire the skills and capabilities necessary to operate agricultural machinery, and must pass the modules with an average score of 80 points or more.
This program serves as a catalyst for learning, changing the lives of the participating women
and their families, motivating and inspiring them to strive for improvement. Additionally, it allows us to deepen the positive relationships we have with our communities and support these women in accessing job opportunities in the area.
We continue to promote Responsible Development!