More than 300 banana-farming families in Colombia’s Magdalena region now have safer, healthier homes thanks to the five-year Building Dreams project.
Launched in 2020 as a partnership between Fyffes, the Albert Heijn Foundation — a benefit group working to improve conditions for those working in the fruit and vegetable supply chain — and the banana-trading company Banasan Foundation and Banasan-affiliated corporations, the project was designed to improve living conditions, sanitation and well-being for banana-growing communities.
The initiative was also supported by Fairtrade partner corporations such as Corporagros, Corporación Vitalban, and the producing companies Banex, Banapalma and Frutesa, whose contributions helped ensure a holistic community approach to the program.
According to the partnership, the project has delivered significant improvements in families’ quality of life, including better access to health services, enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, improved education opportunities and a healthier environment.
“Before, I used to say that I hated the rain because the roof of my house was made of plastic, we didn’t have a proper bathroom, and the house was in very poor condition,” says María Lara, a beneficiary of the program and a mother of four children. “Now, my children can study and sleep comfortably. This project has given us back our hope and dignity.”
Following UN guidelines on the Right to Adequate Housing, the project assessed each family’s needs to prioritize essential upgrades such as sanitation, kitchens and structural safety. The Banasan Foundation also conducted a needs identification survey to gain further insight into family relationships, community coexistence and broader social concerns.
Reflecting on the project
At a recent ceremony marking five years of the project, partners reflected on the impact of the initiative, which combines infrastructure upgrades, psychosocial support and environmental education.
“I am privileged and delighted to have met with local families today who have had their lives transformed through the Building Dreams program,” says Erik Vorenkamp, president of the Albert Heijn Foundation. “Not only have we provided improved living conditions for these families, but we have also improved their quality of life and personal development through the psychosocial support program.”
Julie Cournoyer, Fyffes global director of sustainability, comments: “A critical sustainability priority for Fyffes is building resilient communities and contributing to their economic development and enrichment. Long-term partnerships with our customers and suppliers such as Albert Heijn and Banasan, give us the capacity to develop truly impactful and life-changing programmes such as Building Dreams. We are immensely grateful to the Albert Heijn and the Banasan Foundations for making dreams a reality for these families.”
“Seeing local families enjoying their refurbished homes shows we have delivered real impact both for local communities and the banana industry,” adds Edgar Chalhoub, representing Banasan. “We look forward to continuing to work with Fyffes and Albert Heijn to improve the living conditions of farm workers and their families in Magdalena.”
As part of Banasan’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the partnership is also now investing in education in the Magdalena banana-growing region. The Great Alliance for Education project will invest in the construction and renovation of key infrastructure for the Institución Educativa Departmental Rodrigo Vives, a primary and secondary school institution in Orihueca, including new classrooms, a cafeteria, a computer room, and sports and recreation areas to create a more inclusive and inspiring space for 658 students.
