Our Fair Trade Update: 2020 Project Completion and Project 2021 – Empowering the São João Batista Community

Kirra Bixby
4 min read Sustainability
Category Sustainability
Date
Read time 4 minutes
Author Kirra Bixby
Our Fair Trade Update: 2020 Project Completion and Project 2021 – Empowering the São João Batista Community

At SAMBAZON, we have always believed in the power of Fair Trade as a means to create a sustainable and equitable future. Our organization is dedicated to supporting the communities that we work with in the Amazon Rainforest outside of providing a steady income.

One of the pressing needs for many of our harvesting communities is a dedicated space for the community to come together, learn, and grow. In the spirit of our ongoing commitment to the growth of the communities we work with in the Amazon, we're excited to share some significant updates in our latest Fair Trade Projects. 

Fair for Life Project 2020: Aramamã Community Center 

Our Fair for Life Project 2020 has seen the completion of the Araramã Community Center in the municipality of Afuá. This project has already made a positive impact on the community. The center recently served as a support location for a health campaign organized by the government, featuring informative lectures and health examinations from doctors and dentists.  

This initiative demonstrated the immense potential of such community centers to serve as hubs for essential services, addressing gaps in healthcare, dental care, and education. We believe that these centers are not just spaces but catalysts for positive change, and we are excited to witness the positive transformations they will bring to the communities we work with. 

Fair for Life Project 2021: The São João Batista Community Center 

For years, we have been sourcing our Açaí from the São João Batista community, a group of communities located in the municipality of Muaná, Pará, Brazil. These neighboring communities that form a “Sector” are major suppliers of açaí in the region and follow the standards of organic and Fair for Life certifications. In 2020, they took the initiative to build a community center, but a lack of resources halted their progress. In response to this, we decided to step in and make a difference through our Fair for Life Project for 2021. 

fair for life project 2021fair for life project 2

Community Center that construction was halted on originally due to a lack of resources

The project is right on track, with the commencement of construction slated to begin next month. We recently held a productive meeting with the São João Batista community to chart out our next steps, and we're thrilled to announce that our joint efforts will bring to life a brand-new community center, a shared space where empowerment and collaboration will flourish. 

Empowering Communities Through Education and Collaboration 

Once completed, the São João Batista Community Center will be a space where the community can come together, learn, and strengthen commerce in the region. The community center will offer training sessions covering açaí processing, financial management, safety in the açaí harvesting activity, and a wide array of other events. 

The benefits of the community center are not limited to São João Batista alone. All communities in the region will have the opportunity to access these resources, ultimately fostering community growth and development. It is a collaborative effort that exemplifies the spirit of fair trade, where prosperity is shared and opportunities are accessible to all. 

young girl with acai bowlyoung girl with acai packyoung boy with acai pack

Building Stronger Bonds with São João Batista 

We’ve conducted collector training sessions in São João Batista, further enhancing the skills of those who play a pivotal role in our Açaí supply chain. In 2022, we organized a special event in the community, distributing toys to the children and spreading joy in a tangible way. Now, in 2023, we are proud to announce that the construction of the community center will commence, thanks to the FFL award. 

harvester toolsharvester with harvesting tool

These initiatives are all rooted in the principles of fair trade, focusing on fair labor practices, strengthening the community, and promoting fair economic growth for everyone involved. Our aim is to positively impact around 200 families, and we aim making a lasting difference in the lives of these communities by providing them with a space that will serve them for years to come. 

Our Commitment to Fair Trade 

SAMBAZON’s commitment to Fair Trade goes beyond safely sourcing high-quality Açaí; it extends to creating opportunities, fostering empowerment, and building a more equitable future for the communities we work with. The Araramã Community Center and São João Batista Community Center area testament to this commitment and our belief that fair trade can be a powerful force for change.  

As we move forward with our Fair For Life Project for 2021, we are excited to share our progress with our customers that make these dreams a possibility. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who have welcomed us into their communities and contributed to the success of SAMBAZON. By supporting a triple-bottom-line business like SAMBAZON, you partake in our belief that Fair Trade is not just a concept; it's a way of life, and we are dedicated to making it a reality. 

Kirra Bixby

Kirra Bixby is the Omni-Channel Marketing Manager at SAMBAZON and has been working in digital marketing for 7 years. Majoring in Communication and Media Studies with a focus on Journalism at the University of San Diego has provided her with a wealth of writing experience for different platforms and publications. Kirra is a lover of the outdoors, adventure, and all things Açaí, and enjoys sharing her perspective through digital media.

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