Cafexporto Foundation
Empowering Rural Ecuador Through Education and Coffee Innovation
At Cafexporto, our deep roots in rural Ecuador have given us a front-row seat to both the beauty and the challenges of life in coffee-growing communities. Through years of working hand-in-hand with farmers and families, we’ve identified a powerful opportunity to uplift these communities—not only through exceptional coffee but through education, empowerment, and sustainable development.
Our Vision: Education as the Catalyst for Change
We believe that knowledge is the most powerful crop we can cultivate. The Cafexporto Foundation will focus on two transformative pillars:
- Agricultural Training
Formal education and hands-on experience in coffee cultivation and agribusiness to empower the next generation of producers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. - Academic Enrichment
Supporting and enhancing rural education systems—from preschool through high school—where resources are scarce and teachers are often overburdened
The Challenge: Bridging Gaps in Knowledge and Opportunity
Unlike other coffee-producing nations, Ecuador lacks a cohesive, government-supported coffee development program. Farmers often face misinformation, minimal technical support, and fluctuating market conditions—leaving them vulnerable to economic hardship.
Simultaneously, rural education is underdeveloped. Many children learn in single-room schools, often with just one teacher and minimal supplies. These systemic gaps hinder the growth of both individuals and communities.
The Cafexporto Foundation: A Strategic Non-Profit Initiative
To drive meaningful change, Cafexporto is establishing an officially recognized Fiduciary Entity (Non-Profit) in Ecuador. This entity will channel resources into high-impact educational programs in the communities surrounding our farms.
Focus Areas:
- (i) Agricultural education for coffee producers, youth, and landowners.
- (ii) Classroom education support for children in rural schools.
Step One: Pilot Program Launch
University of Loja Agribusiness Degree Sponsorship
We are beginning our mission by sponsoring two outstanding students—Cosmel Merino and Janela Cartuche—to pursue an Agribusiness degree at the University of Loja.
- Annual Sponsorship Cost: $4,000 per student
- Hands-On Experience: While studying, these students will receive real-world training at Hacienda la Papaya and Yacuri, working directly with Juan Peña and learning advanced techniques such as PULSE sensor technology.
These graduates will become Knowledge Ambassadors, returning to their communities to train others and elevate agricultural standards.
Supporting K-12 Education in Rural Communities
We are exploring several innovative approaches to improve early education, including:
- Technology-Based Learning: Introducing Wi-Fi access and connected laptops (modeled on the successful RACHEL Project in Macus, Ecuador).
- Teacher Exchange Programs: Bringing qualified educators from Spain to provide more personalized instruction.
- Virtual Classrooms: Sponsoring modern, remote learning experiences with updated curriculum and interactive teaching models.
These efforts aim to provide long-term academic support to multi-grade classrooms where resources are minimal.
Next Steps: Building Toward Long-Term Impact
Upon completion of Step One, we will apply to the Bolsa de Valores de Quito for Social Bond Issuance, a crucial step toward full foundation recognition and sustainable funding.
Looking Ahead: Lasting Benefits for Communities
✔ Ongoing Agribusiness Scholarships
Annual sponsorship of two new students to ensure a continuous pipeline of skilled agricultural professionals.
✔ Enhanced Rural Education
Introduction of proven educational models to all three communities we serve (additional details in a supporting document).
✔ Financial Relief for Coffee Producers
Farmers who sell to Cafexporto will receive tax exemptions, improving income security.
✔ Sustainable Growth Through Social Bonds
The Bolsa de Valores’ Social Bond Program will provide annual funding to scale our educational initiatives and infrastructure investments, such as local coffee processing facilities.
Our Commitment
At Cafexporto, we believe that world-class coffee begins with thriving communities. Through the Cafexporto Foundation, we are sowing the seeds of education, empowerment, and sustainable development. This is more than a philanthropic effort—it’s a movement to transform the future of coffee in Ecuador, one student, one farmer, one family at a time.
Let’s build a future where education and innovation grow side
