Tinker's Investment in Education: A Catalyst for Change

According to a 2021 World Bank report, exacerbated by the pandemic “the Latin American and Caribbean region is experiencing an unprecedented education crisis that requires immediate action to mitigate and reverse learning losses.” Rural coffee communities are no strangers to this reality, as they often struggle with educational resources and limited access to schools. 

Since 2017, Tinker Coffee and its founders, Stephen Hall and Jeff Johnson have partnered with Project Alianza, supporting locally-driven education programs for children and the development of local community educators in coffee farm working communities in rural Nicaragua.

A significant part of Project Alianza's efforts are concentrated in Jinotega, Nicaragua bordering near Tinker's coffee partner in Matagalpa, creating a localized impact on coffee communities in the area.

Sachary: A Local Leader Nurtured Through Education

Tinker Coffee's support through Project Alianza has provided scholarships for local women educators like Sachary, nurturing leaders who bridge the gap between Tinker's investment and tangible on-the-ground impact in youth education.

Sachary, a lead community educator with Project Alianza, grew up in Jinotega’s coffee community. A single mother, she received an Alianza scholarship to attend university and achieved a degree in language and literature. Since her role with Alianza began, Sachary has played a crucial role in supporting four schools built by Project Alianza in the Jinotega coffee community. Implementing the Teach-at-the-Right Level methodology, educators like Sachary support students with their reading and writing skills, where 70% of students Alianza’s students are currently advancing to the next literacy level. 

“Too many children have to drop out of school to work or take care of their siblings, especially girls. That’s why Alianza is so important. There’s so much that Alianza considers, like choosing non-traditional teaching, where every individual child is a priority.” 

^{- Sachary, Project Alianza Community Educator} 

Mentorship: Empowering Children’s Dreams

Tinker Coffee’s investment goes even further. Mentors like Sachary also support students through Project Alianza’s Conditional Cash Transfer Program. This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not hinder children's access to education in coffee communities. Paired with mentors like Sachary, students receive financial support covering expenses such as books, transportation, and uniforms. Mentors also conduct home visits twice a year, providing direct support that helps students navigate personal and academic challenges. To date, Project Alianza holds a 98% retention rate in the program. 

Tinker Coffee's consistent investment not only sustains this initiative but also fosters a holistic support system, empowering students to overcome challenges and pursue their educational aspirations.

Commitment: The Key to Sustainability

Tinker Coffee's commitment to rural coffee communities goes beyond immediate impact; it is a pillar for sustained, transformative change. Since 2017, Tinker has consistently invested not only in education but also in the well-being of Nicaraguan coffee communities, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom. 

By investing in education and the well-being of coffee communities, Tinker Coffee not only contributes to the growth of these communities but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and equitable future in the coffee industry.

"Working with Project Alianza is a priority for us because we believe strongly in helping to make a difference in the communities where our coffee is grown. By partnering with Project Alianza and supporting their mission of providing educational opportunities for children in Nicaragua and beyond, we can have a more lasting impact than simply buying coffee from a farm. This virtuous cycle of support will have a positive long-term impact on many of these children's lives, and we're so proud of the work Project Alianza has done to achieve their goals and mission."

^{- Cofounders, Stephen Hall and Jeff Johnson, Tinker Coffee}

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