Fundación
Tropicalia
IN 2023, FUNDACIÓN TROPICALIA IMPACTED 1,560 INDIVIDUALS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MICHES, OF WHICH 61.7% WERE WOMEN AND GIRLS, THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FIVE PROGRAMS.
Founded in 2008 by Tropicalia, Fundación Tropicalia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating community development programs that support economic diversification, environmental protection, cultural identity, and education. The Foundation aims to build a sustainable tourism destination in Miches by strengthening local capacities and creating an inclusive local economy, while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage..
With over 14 years of experience, the Foundation has built strong partnerships within the community. These connections have enabled the Foundation to develop and implement programs in education, productivity, and sociocultural support, managing innovative projects in agriculture, gender equality, entrepreneurship, and microfinance. The Foundation also integrates environmental education into all its areas of action, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation in Miches.
EDUCATION
- Innovative Education Centers (CEI): Benefited 1,312 students and 77 teachers in 4 Miches schools. Partnering with EDUCA, we implemented the CEI program, which aims to improve reading and math skills for primary school students.
- Scholarship and Cultural Exchange Program: Awarded 38 agricultural scholarships since 2011, with over 70% of graduates entering the workforce. Fundación Tropicalia coordinates this program with the ISA Agricultural University.
- Hurricane Fiona School Fund: Equipped 16 schools, benefiting 2,167 students and 126 teachers. Thanks to donations from 17 companies totaling US$26,000, Fundación Tropicalia provided emergency school supplies and repairs in the aftermath of hurricane Fiona.
ENVIRONMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
- Miches Emprende: As of December 31, 2023, the fund’s capitalized amount totals US$13,764, with a total of US$45,158 available for loans. This revolving fund, managed by Banco Adopem, has granted 37 loans totaling US$104,514 since its establishment in 2016. It has generated 111 direct jobs and benefited 555 people, contributing to the strengthening of micro and small enterprises in Miches.
- PROMICHES and Protortuga Support: Supported institutional management activities and sea turtle conservation, recording 21 nests and 672 hatchlings. We provided financial and human resources to strengthen the leadership of PROMICHES and Protortuga, which aims to protect sea turtles and their nesting sites in the coastal areas of the Municipality of Miches.
Socio-cultural and Gender Support
- Cultural Identity: Supported local cultural events and preserved traditions. The Tropicalia Foundation seeks to preserve and highlight the region’s cultural heritage, working in collaboration with the local government and community leaders. Historically, we have supported the Miches Carnival, Patronal festivals, the atabales (traditional drums) of Francia Amparo and Eloy Bastardo, the Coconut Fair, and Children’s Day.
- Soy niña, soy importante (SNSI): 328 girls impacted, 53 volunteers integrated, 1 Ambassador Network activated, and 5 events. SNSI is a multifaceted program that supports girls aged 9 to 15 to protect their childhood, guide them in making assertive decisions, and educate them and their community about their rights.
