Empowering Dreams in Colima, Mexico: How GROW and Project Amigo are Transforming Lives Through Education
Transforming Lives Through Powerful Partnerships
In the heart of Mexico, Project Amigo, a remarkable nonprofit, is leaving a lasting impact by annually supporting over 400 students from elementary to university levels in Colima, Mexico. Among these remarkable individuals are the GROW students, embodying the transformative power of education, innovation, and social responsibility. The profound influence of the GROW program isn’t confined to banana sales alone; it’s evident in the positive growth of each student it touches. We take immense pride in knowing that the proceeds from our GROW banana sales play a crucial role in supporting exceptional organizations like Project Amigo. Year after year, witnessing the incredible effects of this program continues to inspire us.
In 2005, we embarked on the GROW initiative with a vision that extended beyond benefiting banana farm workers; it aimed to uplift the entire community. Our initial partnership with Project Amigo marked the inception of our GROW journey. In the midst of Colima’s impoverished neighborhoods, families with children found a glimmer of hope through GROW. Through various avenues, including education, dental and vision support, access to clean drinking water, affordable milk for children, and opportunities for small business owners, GROW has been the catalyst for a positive transformation throughout these communities.
Educational Triumphs for our Scholars
This year, the GROW Educational Program celebrated the graduation of eight students across various academic levels. These remarkable individuals serve as living proof of the program’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds. Their accomplishments have left an indelible mark at the University of Colima, with GROW graduates excelling in diverse fields like Architecture, Law, Economics, and Primary Education.
Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 school year, we enthusiastically welcomed 21 new faces into our scholarship program. Each newcomer received a backpack filled with essential school supplies, symbolizing a bright path ahead.
In addition to our new scholars, we continue to provide unwavering support to our existing students, many of whom have achieved academic success beyond their families’ wildest dreams. Their journey is a testament to the hope and opportunity that GROW brings to their lives.
A Lasting Difference On Future Generations
We celebrate the journey of these remarkable students and are grateful for the incredible impact our GROW program is creating. We look forward to a promising future where dreams are nurtured, lives are transformed, and communities are uplifted through education and compassion, forging pathways to a brighter future one box of GROW bananas at a time.
GROW by Organics Unlimited prepares for GROW month!
In a few weeks, GROW by Organics Unlimited will be kicking off GROW month and we need your help! Every September, we promote GROW and take the opportunity to educate and inspire our consumers to make a difference through their GROW purchases. What does this mean for you? Please start thinking about your merchandising displays and about other ways you can help. We need stores that are willing to host community events such as banana tasting, kid’s events, etc. We also need stores that are ok with live footage being shot inside the store by news crews. If you want to help us, please send us an email!
With each box of GROW bananas sold, a portion of the proceeds go into the GROW Fund. These donations are managed and distributed by the International Community Foundation. Project Amigo in Mexico and Children International in Ecuador are two organizations where GROW has helped build better communities and have changed the lives of many. With the financial support they receive from the GROW label, Project Amigo is able to provide communities with vision clinics, dental clinics, literacy and educational programs. These services are vital to the community and quite successful. Over 90% of the students that are a part of the Project Amigo scholarship program are attending the university and many have graduated to become very successful. Some of those success stories have continued to be a part of their community and have helped the current students in their health and education.
Please consider helping us in helping our communities! With your support in purchasing GROW bananas or creating visual appealing merchandising displays with GROW bananas, together we can make a difference in the banana growing communities.
For more information on how you can help support please visit our GROW website.
Want to know how GROW helps communities? Check out this info graphic below!
