Catalan School

As the farm has grown over the last 10 years, so has the team at Catalan de Las Mercedes. Nicholas and Angie Hammond have created a family-style culture here. One where workers and their children are accommodated so families stay together, and where opportunities for learning and growth are accessible.

The Catalan farm and mill provide lodging, kitchens and dining areas for workers traveling far distances during the harvest season. The Education Centre is the next chapter in that culture of family, and one that we are proud to support by funding all of its educational costs, including teacher wages.

LED BY THE HAMMONDS, THE EDUCATION CENTRE IS BASED ON THREE PILLARS:

EDUCATION
Licensed teachers and childcare workers who provide personalized education depending on where the child is at in their learning.

NUTRITION
Breakfast and lunch served every day and a meal plan that supports a nutrient-rich diet.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Establishing basic hygiene protocols to inspire healthy lifestyles. When required, they also provide medicines and access to healthcare professionals.

LED BY THE HAMMONDS, THE EDUCATION CENTRE IS BASED ON THREE PILLARS:

EDUCATION
Licensed teachers and childcare workers who provide personalized education depending on where the child is at in their learning.

NUTRITION
Breakfast and lunch served every day and a meal plan that supports a nutrient-rich diet.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Establishing basic hygiene protocols to inspire healthy lifestyles. When required, they also provide medicines and access to healthcare professionals.

The Catalan Education Centre is a place where children are nurtured while their parents make their living. It has allowed Catalan to receive the entire family unit without long periods of separation, especially during the harvest.

As Nicholas has addressed, “in farms around the country… they would concentrate more on the husband or the man to do the work.” Catalan has made their reputation as being an equal-opportunity employer, offering employment and equal wages to all working-aged adults. In doing so, childcare is needed, and the Catalan Education Centre fills that gap for families. The centre also prioritizes education over work for the youth, and keeps children in the Chimaltenango region out of the workforce.

The daily experience at the Education Centre includes licensed teachers, healthy meals, curriculum-based education, art, socializing, play and personal care. For many, it’s their first opportunity to write, to read, and has already created a “light or spark,” as Nico puts it, for many attendees.

As Nicholas has addressed, “in farms around the country… they would concentrate more on the husband or the man to do the work.” Catalan has made their reputation as being an equal-opportunity employer, offering employment and equal wages to all working-aged adults. In doing so, childcare is needed, and the Catalan Education Centre fills that gap for families. The centre also prioritizes education over work for the youth, and keeps children in the Chimaltenango region out of the workforce.

The daily experience at the Education Centre includes licensed teachers, healthy meals, curriculum-based education, art, socializing, play and personal care. For many, it’s their first opportunity to write, to read, and has already created a “light or spark,” as Nico puts it, for many attendees.

To us, this is why Direct Trade matters. And we are proud to support our partners and their communities through this partnership.