Isabel and her husband work hard as coffee and cacao farmers to create a better future for their children. “We are driven by the thought of our children’s future,” Isabel shares. After joining a Purpose Group, they learned to manage their farm better and save money, which helped them stay stable even between harvests. Isabel used her first loan to solve a health issue, giving her peace of mind. Her children are now growing up with a culture of saving and hope. “Life here is different now—the change is visible,” she reflects.

Benjamín’s life changed when he joined a Purpose Group and learned new farming techniques. “Before, I didn’t know how to plant properly—but now I grow coffee, sapote, and vegetables,” he says. The increase in crop yields improved his family’s income and allowed him to buy a car and motorcycle. His leadership in the community grew as others sought his advice. “Leadership is knowing how to serve people,” Benjamín shares. He now sees himself as a leader, helping others thrive.
“I survived by planting short-cycle products and burning the forest in order to do so. The farm became deforested, and there was no longer any shade.”

Pablo’s community began to hear about other Purpose Groups in the area and what they were doing. Together with his friends and neighbors, he decided to join a Purpose Group. “We believed in the ideas Plant With Purpose was promoting. We were inspired. We came together as a group and we started working towards our community’s progress.”

“Cocoa is the best agriculture project that I’ve started on my lot. It used to look empty. Desolate. Now it’s protected by trees that hold the soil, bear fruit, and create economic support to help sustain my family. They protect the future of my children.”

“After coming together, we quickly started to accomplish many goals we couldn’t before because we lacked the education and knowledge to make it happen. For example, we used to use chemicals on our farms, we burned down forests, and we weren’t planting appropriate crops. Now we know that those chemicals were very harmful to our health and the environment, and that burning was removing nutrients from our soil.

Plant With Purpose has educated us with preparing organic fertilizers for our crops. Crop diversification is one of the most important techniques that we’ve learned to implement across our plots. I have gotten results that have far exceeded my expectations, and I see greater and healthier plant and produce growth across the ecosystem. The farmers who are part of our Purpose Group have gotten workshops on grafting, fertilizer, and making cleaning products. Plant With Purpose also supports us with plants like cocoa, sapodilla, and lemon.”