ATTENTION BY AGE GROUP
0-2
Years
Early Childhood
Development
3-6
Years
Montessori
Methodology
7-14
Years
Strengthening, reading, writing and math skills
For over 20 years, we have been on a path of planting seeds of knowledge and bearing witness to them grow and flourish in the children of rural coffee communities. Our foundation, which began in Nicaragua, is the conviction that education is the seed that powers the transformation of lives and brings sustainable progress, socio-economic development, and personal fulfillment. In 2022, thanks to the generosity of many friends like you we were able to invest $1.1M into our work, which had significant life-changing impact in thousands of children and teachers from the coffee communities of Nicaragua and Guatemala.
At Seeds for Progress, we work tirelessly to empower children by offering them the opportunities so often denied to many in Central America: the gift of quality education. Our educational model brings together a holistic approach to learning in which children and teachers develop skills and knowledge specifically designed to boost their potential throughout the various stages of the educational system, so they can become agents of change in their communities.
In 2022, like coffee plants, we spread our seeds and expanded our vision of progress into Guatemala. By working together with teachers, parents, and donors like you, we empowered young minds through quality education. Our Seeds to Learn program became a valuable asset in the remedial plan after the pandemic due to its intense focus on training teachers in the methodologies needed to strengthen reading and writing skills. Students, therefore, are now better equipped to overcome the challenges facing them.
We are also incredibly proud to have opened our first Cultivating Education center in the beautiful coffee community of Sampaquisoy, benefiting more than 40 families involved in the coffee harvest. You made it possible to prevent child labor and bring a safe space for 66 children who received personalized care and quality education from our team of passionate teachers. We served 8,382 nutritious meals, ensuring that the children received proper nourishment throughout their days in the center. This marks the beginning of a transformational change for the community and for other neighboring regions in the year ahead.
Our journey into new horizons looks bright thanks to your incredible support. You are the light that illuminates the path of education. We want to invite you to continue helping Central America’s coffee communities to flourish and empower children to become the spark that lights the future.
Thank you for making it all possible and for your generosity!
PRESIDENT | Seeds for Progress
Seeds for Progress is a non-profit organization committed to transforming lives through quality education in coffee communities within Central America. Our work complements the generational handover of knowledge and know-how. Local teams help facilitate skill development and create opportunities for improvement.
We create a solid foundation and improve quality of life in 3 areas:
According to the United Nations, these fundamental areas form part of the Sustainable Development Goals, the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Our efforts address the critical sections within basic human needs, wellbeing, and the opportunity to thrive in society.
Our programs build upon each other to lead children through an enriching educational path that allows them to grow into confident, enthusiastic, and active community members.
This model is rooted in innovation, empowerment, and education for students and teachers in coffee-growing communities. Each learning stage develops a vital real-life competency that allows students to continue their journey. Mastering technology, constant infrastructure improvement, and a network of mentors guarantee the successful implementation of the strategies and initiatives.
We must ensure students can access technology and connectivity for modern learning and professional development.
We offer lectures, ongoing training, software, and study materials. Children comfortable with digital tools and platforms gain the skills to succeed in their future roles, allowing them to flourish.
As children form their ideas of themselves and society, the school serves as a second home. Therefore, we prioritize the quality of the environment where they will spend time.
We build spacious classrooms, designated eating areas, and access to clean restrooms and drinking water so that children feel comfortable, cared for, and eager to attend.
This network serves as a bridge from theory to practice. Students have access to experts who guide them on their learning journey.
Teaching mentors answer questions, provide feedback, and help address specific concerns at school. Together, they identify knowledge gaps and plan new strategies for the classroom.
These conversations contribute to the advancement of educators’ skills and elevate the learning experience.
Our use of international pedagogical tools and practices enables us to assess the effectiveness of our programs.
We measure our impact and results to track our progress as we pave the way for a brighter future. Guided by data, we continuously shift to solve the needs of the communities where we work.
We must ensure students can access technology and connectivity for modern learning and professional development.
We offer lectures, ongoing training, software, and study materials. Children comfortable with digital tools and platforms gain the skills to succeed in their future roles, allowing them to flourish.
As children form their ideas of themselves and society, the school serves as a second home. Therefore, we prioritize the quality of the environment where they will spend time.
We build spacious classrooms, designated eating areas, and access to clean restrooms and drinking water so that children feel comfortable, cared for, and eager to attend.
This network serves as a bridge from theory to practice. Students have access to experts who guide them on their learning journey.
Teaching mentors answer questions, provide feedback, and help address specific concerns at school. Together, they identify knowledge gaps and plan new strategies for the classroom.
These conversations contribute to the advancement of educators’ skills and elevate the learning experience.
Our use of international pedagogical tools and practices enables us to assess the effectiveness of our programs.
We measure our impact and results to track our progress as we pave the way for a brighter future. Guided by data, we continuously shift to solve the needs of the communities where we work.
We have enjoyed developing educational programs in coffee-growing communities in Nicaragua for 20 years. Our work alongside local allies and friends has impacted the lives of more than 30,000 people. Take a look at how we’ve created better opportunities across coffee regions in Nicaragua.
Communities given the change to transform
Schools started a new chapter in their community
Invested towards quality education
Teachers making a change
People impacted
Infrastructure projects in schools
Schools with access to technology and internet
Hours of teacher capacity building
Our time in Nicaragua has allowed us to dream and expand our work into the coffee communities of Guatemala. We are eager to extend the invitation to children throughout Central America.
In 2017, we grew into Guatemala. Our strategic alliances with local organizations allowed us to focus on school infrastructure projects. In just two years, we strengthened the quality of education in our Seeds to Learn program, which became vital during the pandemic. In 2022, we moved towards supporting schools and promoting attention to children during the coffee harvest, establishing our first Cultivating Education center in Guatemala.
2022 allowed us to discover new ways to serve the children in our schools. As part of the remedial plan after the pandemic, we trained teachers to strengthen students’ reading and writing skills. This initiative helped amend the adverse effects on education in the region.
Children guided
Schools served
Teachers mentored
Training hours
In 2022, we led an analysis of reading and writing skills in children from first to third grade in the four schools where we have a presence. The results show the impact the pandemic had on children’s learning.
The following chart shows the results of the number of words read per minute by children from 1st to 3rd grades in 2019 compared to the data collected by the foundation in 2022. We see an evident decline in skills as a result of the pandemic. These insights guide our plan to support teachers and students in 2023.
The opening of our first Cultivating Education center in Guatemala initiates our efforts towards the prevention of child labor during the coffee harvest. Our presence begins a journey of creating significant changes and opportunities for families in coffee growing communities.
In the year ahead, we will focus on expanding this program to other regions by establishing two new Cultivating Education centers by the end of 2023.
Early Childhood
Development
Montessori
Methodology
Strengthening, reading, writing and math skills
established in alliance with MINEDUC at the Sampaquisoy School in Jalapa,Guatemala.
received personalized attention and care.
accomplished by our network of 18 educators.
for parents, producers, and the community to understand the importance of children's rights and to prevent child labor.
Families supported
Producers assisted
Coffee pickers aided
Meals served
Initial analysis of needs and communities.
Open the first Cultivating Education center in Sampaquisoy, Jalapa.
Establish three centers for Cultivating Education.
As we expand in the region, we lay preliminary foundations in Guatemala for the growth we hope to see in the next five years.
From a lengthy 5 km daily commute, Norlan’s dedication and perseverance won him an opportunity at a scholarship with Seeds for Progress while he was in elementary school in La Reforma community in northern Nicaragua. The access to mentors and resources started an extraordinary tale of individual development through education.
Norlan Altamirano is now a Certification Analyst at CISA Exportadora, a company of Mercon Coffee Group, and works with coffee producers in Central America. An industry asset, he promotes sustainable practices that improve productivity and agricultural methods that positively impact Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala´s coffee communities.
Norlan’s learning journey cultivated a passion for more than just coffee. He hopes to spread sustainable practices, give back to the community that enabled him to thrive, and one day produce his own goods.
When children from rural communities have access to quality education and mentoring, it opens new paths to developing their potential and growing personally and professionally, impacting their lives and those around them.
This past November, we reunited in New York City after two years. Together, we joined in an immersive experience that reinforced how we can contribute to spreading education through our work.
Thanks to your outpour of support, we were able to help young minds reach their full potential. These contributions allow children in coffee communities to transform their futures and positively impact the space around them.
A key component of financial sustainability is the commitment to financial management.
Our work improves the lives of thousands in coffee communities through education and access to resources. We invite you to learn more about monthly contributions, joining our cause and supporting the spread of education in Central America.
Guarantees school supplies for one child, for one year.
Provides reading material for one year.
Supports a teacher training program.
Ensures internet connection for one month, for a school.
Supports the provision of teaching materials.
Thank you! Our generous donors allow us to plan a brighter and more sustainable future in rural coffee regions in Central America. Your commitment to our programs makes change possible and transforms the lives of our community members.
Diamond Seed
US $100,000 +
Platinum Seed
US $50,000 +
Gold Seed
US $30,000 +
Silver Seed
US $10,000 +
Bronze seed
US $1,000 +
Diamond Seed
US $100,000 +
Platinum Seed
US $50,000 +
Gold Seed
US $30,000 +
Silver Seed
US $10,000 +
Bronze seed
US $1,000 +
Together we can continue transforming coffee communities.
Facilitate management processes and skills development for integration into rural community life, creating opportunities for innovation and learning. We aim to integrate knowledge through generational splicing in all programs, contributing to the social and productive growth of coffee communities.
Prosperous communities in coffee regions where education, health, and information become catalysts for sustainable development.
