Mexico
- Capital city: Mexico City
- Population: 108,700,891
- Export commodities: oil and oil products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cotton
- % below the poverty line: 40% (2003)
- GDP/ capita: $10,700 (2006)
- Life expectancy: 75.63 (2007)
- Literacy rate: 91.0% (2004)
- Environmental issues: deforestation, lack of clean water


Students dressed in their new uniforms celebrate the opening of the school’s new classrooms



Electrician adding electricity to all the houses



Members of the new middle school music program giving a concert



Temporary worker housing: before and after

Fincas Hamburgo and Chiripa
Total spent 2002-2006 = $91,865
Total budgeted 2007= $34,600

Background - Located in the remote region of Tapachula in the state of Chiapas, Finca Hamburgo was hard to find, but well worth the effort due to the remarkable coffees grown here. In 2001, we finalized a long term agreement with Hamburgo. RCF has also begun a non-profit organization between Finca Hamburgo and its neighboring farm, Irlanda, to help each better utilize their money and resources.

2002 - Our initial social programs with Hamburgo focused on improving education. Structural improvements included repairs made to the existing school and living quarters. In addition to brand new housing, teachers also received subsidized salaries. A 4th teacher was hired and a student meal program established. Not only did students receive new uniforms and free meals (see picture on next page), they also became part of a financial bonus program for good attendance. This bonus is based on the amount of income they would earn if they were picking coffee instead of attending school.

The school at the Chiripa farm was also repaired and housing quarters improved.

Total spent: $13,475

2003 - The coffee wet mill was redesigned to improve its efficiency and produce a cleaner, better tasting coffee. Support was also provided to continue covering the school teachers’ salaries and provide meals for the students and pickers. Repairs were made to sinks, washing areas, and showers in the housing units. A clinic supplied with beds and other necessities was also established in the Hamburgo company offices with arrangements made for a doctor to visit weekly. Total spent: $33,145

2004 - The local school was expanded by adding three extra classrooms and making improvements to existing rooms (see picture on next page). We also helped make it possible to add electricity to all houses on the farm and start a music program for middle schoolers (see pictures on next page). Desks and supplies were provided for the middle school, medical supplies were purchased, and funding for the meal program open to children and workers continued. Total spent: $15,620

2005-2006 - Repairs to the 14 house, temporary worker housing block were completed and a sports program was begun. RCF also began to offer further school incentives and continued to replenish medical and school supplies, funding for the meal program, and salaries for teachers. Total spent: $29,625

2007- Plans for this year include the reconstruction of another housing block. Total budgeted: $34,600