Learning to lead in Guatemala
Some of the finest coffees in Guatemala are grown along the slopes of the remote Cuchumatanes mountains. Š Sean Hawkey
âMonitoring the Scope and Benefits of Fairtradeâ in its seventh edition is the latest report featuring data on Fairtradeâs impact. This story is featured on page 33 of the report. Find out moreÂ
Miriam Chales de Martinez is the Assistant Manager of the Todo Santerita coffee cooperative in Huehuetenangoâa far-flung, mountainous region in the northwest corner of Guatemala near its border with Mexico.
Miriam began working with the cooperative in 2003, rising to the role of Assistant Manager by 2005, a post she still holds. âI chose this career because itâs something I like. I like the way cooperatives work and I like to support my community,â she says.
To help women such as Miriam develop their talent in the sector, University Rafael Landivar in Huehuetenango has partnered with Fairtrade and Irish Aid to offer a scholarship in the management of cooperatives and associations, with support from the Coordinadora Guatemalteca de Organizaciones de Comercio Justo (CGCJ). The initiative has enabled Miriam to further her education while still working at the head of her organization.
âThe cooperative continues to grow and improve our quality and now we donât just produce conventional coffee, but Fairtrade certified coffee,â Miriam says. Miriam will graduate from the programme in 2016 alongside 23 other students from 11 Fairtrade certified small farmer organizations. Read the full story












