EGP supports the development of local micro-enterprises for the creation of shared value

At the beginning of time there was only the sky and the sea. The first two beings that inhabited this primitive world were Tepeu and Gucumatz, gods as old as wise, who decided to preserve their legacy by creating a new race: man. They carried out their plan by relying on another god, Huracan. Between the three they gave rise to the earth. The waters retreated from the mountains, allowing the birth of trees and animals. Soon after, the gods created men out of corn. This was explained by the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Quiche ethnic group, the origin of the world. Although the text does not mention it, in this process, a lot of water must have been trapped in the Guatemalan department of Quetzaltenango, an area of the country that due to its orography, the territory in its origin was called "of the 10 hills", has a large presence of hydraulic plants. In Zunil, one of its municipalities, Enel Green Power Guatemala implements a project that seeks to gather together the inhabitants of the region, more than 60% of them from Quiche origin, into the value chain of the energy sector. Promote sustainable development After an analysis of the needs of the communities located in the area of influence of the Enel Green Power plants in the region, El Canadá and Montecristo, to promote youth and adult entrepreneurship to facilitate their access to new sources of income was identified as a priority. The Business Development Centers (CEDES) promote the labor development of the population, offering the necessary technical training to create microenterprises. This project was devised in conjunction with FUNDAP, a non-governmental organization that promotes development in the neediest sectors of Guatemala, to generate employment opportunities in rural areas through companies that can become suppliers of Enel Green Power Guatemala or offer their services to other companies and people. It is, therefore, an initiative of Creation of Shared Value that seeks to improve the quality of life of Quetzaltecos. Amplify knowledge to promote micro-enterprises The first CEDES was born in 2016 in the community of Santa Maria de Jesus de Zunil, located just 10 minutes from the El Canadá hydroelectric plant of Enel Green Power. This first initiative counted with the participation of 60 people. Courses were given of the trades considered most suitable for the possibilities of work development offered to the participants: pastry, handicrafts, cutting and confection and beauty, to which others have been added over time as the kitchen. The Ministry of Education has endorsed the contents and associated learning activities. This CEDES was followed by 2017 in the urban area of Zunil, with a new group of 65 people, and that of 2018 in the community of Calahuaché, located 15 minutes from the Montecristo hydroelectric plant of Enel Green Power, in which 75 people participated. In total, the CEDES have had 200 direct and 1,000 indirect beneficiaries, relatives of the participants who benefit through a multiplier learning effect that is replicated in the homes. Since its inception, the CEDES have been an inclusive project that has had the active participation of community and municipal authorities, in addition to the partnership with FUNDAP. The distribution of responsibilities has been as follows: Enel Green Power assumes the cost of 65% of the materials used in the different courses; the foundation provided by the instructors and the other part of the equipment used in the courses; while the community participates with a monthly contribution for each participant. Creation of Shared Value Enel Green Power Guatemala has very clear the fact that the Creation of Shared Value is not a tool of social compensation or a philanthropic activity, but a new business model. Companies that apply it maintain their competitiveness, but at the same time ensure that their economic results are linked to the success of the communities with which they interact. CEDES are another example of how our team located in the operating plants listens to local communities, understands their needs and deals with expanding their competencies, while promoting development. As the Popol Vuh narrates – which in translation means a "book of the community" - success for sustainable development and positive and lasting change can only be achieved through cooperation between all the parties involved.

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EGP supports the development of local micro-enterprises for the creation of shared value

EGP supports the development of local micro-enterprises for the creation of shared value