More than 300 banana-farming families in Colombia's Magdalena region have seen their homes and living conditions improved through the five-year Building Dreams initiative, a partnership between Fyffes, the Albert Heijn Foundation, the Banasan Foundation, and Banasan-affiliated corporations. Launched in 2020, the project aimed to strengthen community wellbeing through better housing, sanitation, and social support.
A closing event marked the completion of the five-year programme, with partners reviewing its outcomes, which combined infrastructure improvements with psychosocial assistance and environmental awareness activities.
© Fyffes
According to Erik Vorenkamp, President of the Albert Heijn Foundation, the initiative has provided lasting improvements to families' quality of life through both housing upgrades and social support components.
Local resident María Lara, a mother of four, said that the project brought major changes to her family's living conditions. "Before, the roof of my house was plastic, and we had no proper bathroom. Now my children can study and sleep comfortably. This project has given us back our hope and dignity," she said.
Fyffes Global Director of Sustainability, Julie Cournoyer, noted that long-term partnerships with customers and suppliers made the programme possible, adding that it aligns with Fyffes' goal of supporting resilient farming communities.
Banasan representative Edgar Chalhoub said that the results demonstrate clear benefits for local families and the wider banana sector. He added that the partners aim to continue collaborating on initiatives that improve living standards for farm workers in Magdalena.
The programme also involved Fairtrade partner corporations such as Corporagros, Corporación Vitalban, and the producing companies Banex, Banapalma, and Frutesa, whose participation helped ensure a community-wide approach.
Following UN guidelines on the Right to Adequate Housing, the project prioritised essential home improvements such as sanitation, kitchens, and structural safety. The Banasan Foundation conducted a survey to assess social and family needs, helping tailor the interventions to each household.
The Building Dreams initiative has led to improvements in access to healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, as well as enhanced educational and environmental conditions for participating families.
As part of its 20th anniversary, the Banasan Foundation, together with Fyffes, the Albert Heijn Foundation, and Fairtrade partners, has launched a follow-up programme, The Great Alliance for Education. This project focuses on infrastructure investment at the Institución Educativa Departmental Rodrigo Vives in Orihueca, including the construction and renovation of classrooms, a cafeteria, a computer room, and sports and recreation areas for 658 students.
Both the Building Dreams and Great Alliance for Education initiatives underline the ongoing collaboration between the partners to support housing, education, and community development in Colombia's banana-producing regions.
© FyffesFor more information:
Sarah Hegarty
Fyffes
Email: [email protected]
www.fyffes.com
Erik Vorenkamp
Albert Heijn Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Yamile Esther Rodriguez Akle
Banasan Foundation
Email: [email protected]
