We are very happy to share with you a wonderful article written by Jen Hocken and published in the February 2019 issue of Construction in Focus. The article focuses on how CAOBA invests in the well-being and future of its employees in La Antigua, Guatemala. We love our workers and are deeply committed with our community.
CAOBA actively promotes environmental improvement initiatives. Our dedicated volunteers unite to plant trees across various regions in the Sacatepequez department. In addition to these impactful reforestation efforts, CAOBA proudly holds FSC certification, ensuring that the wood we utilize originates from responsibly managed forests.
The industrial brigade, composed of 20 workers from various departments, fulfills both legal
requirements and the vital role of providing first aid and fire readiness. They have a history of aiding neighboring communities during fires and are responsible for personnel evacuations and fire extinguisher training. Weekly training from Antigua's volunteer firefighters ensures their preparedness.
They also extend support during natural disasters, such as forest fires and volcanic eruptions,
safeguarding the company, its employees, and the community.
Monthly low-cost groceries are available to support our workers, providing essential items such as
grains, cereals, and cleaning supplies to benefit their families' nutritional needs.
CAFETERIA
Our cafeteria serves nutritious lunches to workers with menus approved by a nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet including carbohydrates, protein, and fruits. Each day offers a different menu to promote variety and health. At a low cost of 10.00 quetzales, CAOBA covers the expenses, providing workers with affordable and wholesome meals.
Additionally, the cafeteria caters to children at the childcare center, offering menus designed to meet their nutritional needs for optimal development. This includes breakfast, snacks, lunch, and occasional dinners, ensuring comprehensive nutrition for the children under our care.
This year, we introduced new scholarships to assist university students in our workforce. With four current recipients, these partial scholarships cover 80% of monthly university fees, contingent on maintaining an 80% average academic performance. Recipients receive monthly monitoring and mental health support talks. Additionally, they contribute to the community by volunteering for the foundation in various needed areas.
The nutritionist collaborates closely with the doctor to conduct nutritional assessments and assist children facing nutritional deficiencies. This includes monitoring their physical development, focusing on weight and height, and offering specialized care at our private clinic to ensure parental comfort.
This concerted effort aims to facilitate weight regain and promote healthier growth among children within the center. Furthermore, the nutritionist takes charge of evaluating cafeteria menus for both staff and children, designing specific menus that encompass all essential nutrients necessary for optimal nutrition. This proactive approach ensures that both workers and children receive the dietary support required for improved well-being.
Our program entails offering an annual scholarship to workers who seek assistance for their children's education expenses. The amount awarded varies based on the academic performance of each child, ranging from $500.00 to $1,000.00 corresponding to their grade level.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of school-related costs for our employees.
After the academic year, we request final grades to ascertain whether the children have completed their grade level, ensuring the continuation of the scholarship annually.
The Paula Weiskopf Daycare is a nurturing haven for children aged 0-12 from both our employees and the wider community. Rooted in the Montessori methodology, our center provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can thrive.
Beyond mere childcare, we prioritize holistic development, ensuring each child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our nutritious meals, thoughtfully prepared, support healthy growth, while activities such as art and music inspire creativity and self-expression.
In our natural and secure setting, surrounded by greenery, children are encouraged to explore freely, fostering a deep connection with the world around them.
CAOBA stands firmly behind nonprofits and their causes, offering preferential pricing for their projects while maintaining the impeccable quality of our products
CAOBA ensures that employees have access to healthcare by providing vouchers for medical emergencies and unforeseen events, extending coverage to their families.
Additionally, our program includes monthly medical check-ups for children at the childcare center.
The dedicated doctor oversees these check-ups, monitoring the children's development, scheduling medical appointments, and delivering primary healthcare services.
DENTALCARE
Employees receive valuable support through our dental clinic partnership to ensure comprehensive dental care for workers and their families. This benefit offers essential dental treatments, prioritizing the oral health and well-being of our workforce.
