A scent of coffee in the future: Empowering women and youth through English-language training  

The objective is clear: to break down linguistic and cultural barriers that until now have limited the access of these communities to global markets. In a country where only 7% of young people participate in the coffee industry, this program seeks to change this reality by strengthening their skills and allowing them to share, in first person, the story of their coffee, their land and their work.  

The initiative goes beyond simply learning a language. For Benjamin Paz, from Exportadora San Vicente, the impact is much more profound: “For a roaster, the most valuable thing is to know the story behind the coffee, and there is no better storyteller than the producer himself. If the children of coffee producers learn English, they will be able to share their story and eventually negotiate directly, creating a real impact in their communities.”  

This project not only focuses on improving the economic conditions of the participants, but also contributes directly to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (End Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities).  

The English classes, taught in the heart of these rural communities, are not just lessons in grammar or vocabulary. They are tools for building a brighter future, where the women and youth of El Cedral can negotiate their coffee, secure business partnerships and, above all, take charge of their own personal development. Learning the language of international business allows them to improve their income and business prospects, as well as generate lasting and sustainable change in their environment.  

Through this training, the coffee producers of El Cedral not only export a quality bean, but also a story of overcoming challenges, empowerment and global connection. With English as a tool, their coffee not only travels further, but also carries with it the story of those who grow it, strengthening an identity that flourishes between the mountains of Honduras and the international market. 

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Inclusive Coffee is funded by the Medicor Foundation and is part of the Swisscontact Development Program, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.