Our goal
To create a space and the necessary conditions to generate job opportunities for the members of the community of Tecpan.
The Challenge
According to the last census, 75% of Tecpan’s economic activity comes from agricultural practices; however, only 2% of the population is qualified to carry out agricultural activities. Furthermore, the census notes how 28% of Tecpan’s population makes a living from informal agricultural practices, leading to an average monthly income of Q500.00 – Q1,000.00 (US$64.75 – US$129,49), a startling comparison, as those working in the remaining 25% earn an average income of Q2,000.00 – Q5,000.00 (US$258.98 – US$647.46).*
What We’ve Done
The Foundation provides employment to various members of the community, as well as the necessary preparation for them to grow and develop their professional skills.
El Carmen
For about 20 years, El Carmen, the farmland where Fundacion Educa Pueblo Viejo is based at, has been a source of formal employment in Tecpan. The farm’s operations depend entirely on the work of members of the community and it provides employment in the areas of administration, vegetable farming, forest management, meat processing, and meat product elaboration.
Epicure
Epicure started as a cold meat processing plant in Antigua, Guatemala; however, since then, it’s evolved to a restaurant, a gourmet shop, and a production plant that produces over 800 different products. Epicure’s operations are a key part of the Foundation’s work; it provides employment to over 45 members of the Tecpan community and it serves as a constant source of funds for the Foundation’s causes and projects. You can learn more about epicure, it’s services, and products here.
Professional Development
All of Epicure’s workers go through a training program that teaches them the skills necessary to run a successful business. They learn about administration, customer relations, customer service, cooking, baking, running a restaurant kitchen, food conservation, and food production. The goal of this training is to drive individuals towards entrepreneurship and innovation so that they can create their own businesses, therefore leading to more employment opportunities in the area.
Impact on the Community
- Provide employment to over 70 members of the community
- Help develop professional skills
- Provide a steady and reliable source of income to over 70 families
- Opportunity for professional growth
Get Involved
Just the simple act of dining with us at Epicure and shopping in our gourmet shop, you help give the education, health, and empowerment for the less fortunate.