In an interview, the Social Promotion Coordinator, T.S. Yolanda Rodriguez of Grupo Chaparral, shares the actions implemented for the benefit of its workers
Culiacan, Sinaloa – For the second time, in an interview with Jesus Martin Lopez Zavala on the program Señal Preventiva de Radio of the Universidad Pedagogica del Estado de Sinaloa (Radio UPES), Ms. Yolanda Rodriguez, Coordinator of Social Promotion of Grupo Chaparral, shared the main actions implemented by the agricultural company in terms of security and crime prevention for the benefit of the company’s employees and the community.
Some activities they carry out include training sessions, workshops, puppet theater and theatrical performances for children and parents, leaflets, and wall newspapers placed in common areas for all workers to see constantly. These cover various topics of interest, with special emphasis on safety prevention. Among the main talks are the prevention of family violence, addictions, children’s rights, good treatment, gender equity, non-discrimination, values, and bullying.
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She mentions that the company’s focus on addressing sensitive issues is prevention. For this, they are supported by various government institutions such as Community Centers for Mental Health and Addictions (CECOSAMA), the Children’s Integration Center, the National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Women, and the State Council for the Prevention and Attention of Family Violence (Cepavif), among others, to implement the programs offered on an ongoing basis.
Yolanda emphasizes the significance of communicating clearly and accurately, talking directly to people and organizations to avoid misinterpretation, and ensuring that workers feel comfortable approaching these institutions for
In her experience, she has witnessed a change in the mentality and culture of the company’s collaborators. This change is mainly observed in the treatment among family members; their behavior now focuses on good treatment, respect, and healthy coexistence, achieved through these ongoing actions over many years.
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The Social Responsibility area of Grupo Chaparral has an annual work program consisting of various activities in each area of attention: housing and sanitation, health, education, culture, recreation, and training. Each area has different activities or actions to meet the needs of its employees.
Due to these actions, 90% of the company migrant workers return every year, as they feel at home on the farm. One successful policy implemented by the company is transparency during hiring in their place of origin, where they are given complete regulations that include the company’s policies, the functions they will perform, and the benefits they will receive at the company’s facilities.
The company employs social workers, doctors, dentists, and has schools with teachers assigned by the Basic Education Program for Children of Migrant Farmworker Families (PRONIM) of the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (SEP), benefiting the more than 4,500 migrant workers who work at Grupo Chaparral.
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The company offers educational programs for kindergarten, preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and adult education, as well as ICATSIN courses funded by the company.
The company provides necessary attention to all stakeholders according to their needs. For medical care, the company has medical offices on the farm equipped for basic care and essential medicines, as well as dental services. ProFamilia de Jornaleros IAP mobile unit supported the farm with various prevention and health care campaigns. Additionally, the farm promotes visual health campaigns to provide free eye exams and offers glasses at very affordable prices for employees if needed. They also organize annual health fairs where they provide general consultations, screening tests for diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, vaccination services, educational talks on health and nutrition topics, free medicines, vitamins, and more.
For Yolanda and her team, the most gratifying part of their work is providing employees with the tools to achieve a better quality of life through training, health services, and education. These benefits are some of the reasons why employees enjoy working at Grupo Chaparral. She feels great joy from the gratitude expressed by the migrant workers, the attention they receive, and the affection they show every day.
She shares that, over her 20 years of experience, she has cherished the affection and gratitude of the workers at the company. She has witnessed children who have pursued university degrees and stayed to form families in Sinaloa. Through interviews like this, she hopes to spread the message that migrant families have opportunities to live well, study, and develop to lead fulfilling lives.
As Veggies from Mexico, we recognize the commitment that Agricola Chaparral has for the benefit of its employees through the implementation of these programs, the direct contact with its employees, and the dedication and conviction with which they run the company, starting from management and permeating all levels of employees.
