Amidst the mountains of Huehuetenango in Guatemala lies the La Bolsa coffee farm, a family-run farm with a very special history. Here, coffee production has always been about more than just quality in the cup. Since its inception, the farm has been linked to a strong social commitment that has produced tangible results for children and families in the local community.
From doctor to coffee farmer
La Bolsa was founded by Dr Jorge Vides Molina, a doctor who decided to focus on coffee in the 1950s. For Vides, it was important that the farm should not only produce raw materials, but also contribute to the development of the area.
In 1980, he opened a primary school on the farm, which until 2021 has been a permanent fixture for the local community.
Unfortunately, the school was closed due to the corona pandemic, but when the schoolchildren had to change schools, the Vides family moved their support to the neighbouring schools and kindergartens instead.
Profits back to the children
An important part of La Bolsa's philosophy is that part of the profits should benefit the local community. Through collaboration with Solberg & Hansen, this has taken on a very concrete form: every time coffee drinkers in Norway buy Christmas coffee from La Bolsa, part of the proceeds go back to the school and the children who attend it.
The results are visible. Among other things, donations from Christmas coffee sales have funded the construction of a playground, the purchase of new school equipment and a daily, nutritious meal for all pupils. For many children, this meal is an important part of everyday life, contributing to both better health and learning outcomes.
Coffee with care
As a coffee roaster, we're proud of our partnership with La Bolsa and that their coffee can be enjoyed here in Norway. Since 2017, La Bolsa has been our most important Omtanke project, where funds from sales have gone directly to the children at La Bolsa. Our Christmas coffee from La Bolsa is therefore labelled "Omtanke". In our Omtanke projects, we will make an independent donation to specific social, health or environmental initiatives for the local population.
With donations from the coffee bags in 2017-2021, La Bolsa has, among other things, built a playground outside the school, provided new school supplies and offers all the children a daily nutritious meal. Since La Bolsa's own primary school is temporarily closed, the donations from the Christmas coffee in 2022-2024 have gone to several primary schools in the area, including El Zacatonal, La Barranca and Boqueroncito. La Bolsa has contributed teaching materials, furniture and paint.
In addition, some of the donation is used for a scholarship for a two-year bachelor's degree in "Science and letters with productivity and entrepreneurship, with diploma in coffee culture".
A legacy that is passed on
For those who buy La Bolsa's coffee in Norway, this work adds an extra dimension. A cup of coffee is not just about flavour and quality, but also about supporting production that takes responsibility for people and the environment. Through openness about the projects and where the money goes, La Bolsa and Solberg & Hansen have built a level of trust that allows you as a customer to see the value of contributing.
The story of La Bolsa shows how a strong personal commitment can live on through generations. From Dr Vides' vision of combining coffee and social responsibility, to today's concrete projects that provide children with education, play and food. La Bolsa is more than a coffee farm: it's an example of how agriculture can become an engine for social development.
