Escuela de Líderes Cooperativistas Agrarios

These cooperatives have successfully positioned Peruvian coffee and cacao in the international market. The organization's initial project, called Escuela de Dirigentes, was developed as a training program based on competencies to strengthen the management capabilities of coffee and cacao cooperative leaders. This program aimed to contribute to the development of their businesses and strengthen the cooperative movement in Peru, while adhering to sustainability and gender equity criteria. However, the organization recognized that the need for training was not exclusive to its coffee and cacao cooperative bases. As a result, the program was expanded to cover all organizations operating under the cooperative model, giving birth to ELCA: Escuela de Líderes Cooperativistas Agrarios. The cooperative leader plays a fundamental role in the development of their organization, representing the cooperative, organizing, planning, and controlling its technical and administrative progress, as well as ensuring compliance with agreements and statutes. They also guide the organization towards success internally and in its relationships with the community and markets. The Central Café y Cacao del Perú considers it essential to develop this initiative, which would not have been possible without the support of cooperating sources SOS FAIM and the DGCD of Belgium, as well as the Alternative Development Program in Peru with the support of USAID. The organization also expresses gratitude to its base cooperatives, as well as the contributions of cooperative leaders, administrators, and technicians, and the students who make up its first group of graduates. Their critical analysis and opinions based on their own experience have allowed the organization to refine its concepts and make them more viable in reality. The Escuela de Líderes Cooperativistas Agrarios aims to provide training and capacity-building for cooperative leaders, focusing on strategic planning in the cooperative system. This training program is designed to equip leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their organizations effectively, make informed decisions, and contribute to the development of their businesses and the cooperative movement in Peru. The program's curriculum includes topics such as strategic planning, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution, among others. The training is delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, case studies, and group work. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, gender equity, and social responsibility in the development of cooperative businesses. The Central Café y Cacao del Perú has a strong commitment to the development of its cooperatives and the cooperative movement in Peru. The organization believes that by providing training and capacity-building for cooperative leaders, it can contribute to the growth and success of its cooperatives, as well as the overall development of the country.