Palm Done Right builds communities.
Palm oil is grown in some of the poorest areas of the world, where fundamental services like running water, electricity, education and basic healthcare are lacking. We believe that companies who engage in the business of palm oil need to take a proactive role in improving the communities in which palm is grown. Palm Done Right is aiming to alleviate poverty and build community through sustainable palm oil farming practices.
Doctor at a local medical clinic built and staffed by Natural Habitats.
Contributing to community goes beyond just donating money—although that is an important piece. Palm Done Right is about partnering with the farmers and members of a community to jointly develop programs that address what community members believe are key areas of concern, like:
- Building and staffing medical clinics
- Improving critical local infrastructure, such as footbridges and culverts
- Developing sports programs for local children
- Supporting local schools
- Establishing sources of potable water
- Nutrition education
- Supporting local youth groups with materials for community improvement projects
- Conducting sessions on garbage disposal and recycling
True community building goes beyond just monetary or material donations. True community building means listening, building trust, and seeking to understand in order to tailor programs and initiatives to the needs of each individual community. With Palm Done Right, we are aiming to build community and alleviate poverty through organic palm oil farming practices.
A community’s social action plan in action.
Spotlight: Natural Habitats’ Children’s Soccer Program in Ecuador
Soccer plays a big role in Ecuador, as it does in many areas of the world. So the Natural Habitats Social Responsibility Officer identified soccer as a prime way to positively impact the lives of the school children. She worked with the neighboring school to develop a soccer program by hiring a professional trainer and providing uniforms and the facilities to train.
Natural Habitats’ “Soccer School.”
Today, the “Soccer School” is a huge motivator for kids to stay in school, while building character, team building skills and discipline in a way that’s fun for the kids. As a result, kids involved in the soccer program are also less likely to smoke, drink or do drugs, and have better communication with their family.