As part of the “Harvesting Opportunities” program, today the Technical Training Schools initiated by Guatecaña and the Technical Institute of Training and Productivity -Intecap- began, with the participation of 200 community members. These schools will develop specialized technical skills in communities of the south of Guatemala, with a focus on both men and women.

This program consists of scholarships funded by the sugar mills, where technical education is promoted for community members, allowing them to acquire the necessary skills and competencies for successful entry into the job market and thereby contribute to the development of Guatemala.

At the Intecap headquarters in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, five training schools for tractor operators began, with the participation of 115 community members. Additionally, two schools for sugarcane harvester operators were established, with 39 students. Notably, the participation of women stands out, as of the 154 students, 118 are women.

Technical school in Obero, Masagua, Escuintla. Today, the training school for tractor operators also started in the community of Obero in Masagua, as well as the school for sugarcane harvester operators in the community of Placetas in Chiquimulilla, Santa Rosa. In these two locations, instructors are conducting training directly in the communities, with 46 participants.

Students will have classes on Saturdays and Sundays, 8 hours each day. The training for tractor operators lasts 2.5 months, while the training for sugarcane harvester operators will last 5 months. There is no cost for the community members; they only need to have the interest and desire to learn. No prior education is required, just the ability to read and write.