In 2018, Global Communities and the John Deere Foundation worked in partnership to launch the Sowing Futures program in Argentina. With a special focus on supporting disadvantaged youth, the mission of Sowing Futures is to build the capacity of residents and local institutions to self-determine priorities and mobilize and leverage resources to improve socioeconomic conditions in their communities. 

The program’s framework focuses on three fundamental conditions necessary to generate and sustain community-driven development: (1) develop the leadership potential and skills of community members, including youth, to become change agents in their communities, (2) strengthen the organizational capacity of local institutions to manage community development, provide services and work together 

to strengthen the social fabric of the community and (3) promote civic participation to encourage residents and volunteers to become actively involved in community organization and development.

Sowing Futures´ implementation approach is based on Global Communities’ Participatory Action for Community Enhancement (PACE) methodology, which is our method of facilitating community development that unites and empowers. Results include tangible improvements in the provision of and access to community and public services. 

Sowing Futures currently operates in the cities of Granadero Baigorria and Las Rosas in Argentina.

Sowing Bright Futures for Argentinian Youth

Between 2018 and 2020, the Sowing Futures program worked to strengthen the bridge between John Deere and home communities in Argentina through volunteerism. A total of 1,886 volunteer opportunities were created for John Deere employees to transform the reality of the surrounding communities, especially those in which employees live. In creating these opportunities, the program strengthened the ties between both the company and its employees and with the communities where they operate. 

For example, a local high school in Granadero Baigorria had a dream of building a dedicated gym facility sufficient to hold all 950 students for important physical activities. Through the Sowing Futures program, the high school principal, students, administrators, John Deere volunteers and local community members mobilized to plan, design, fundraise and create a multi-sports complex. The team worked together and obtained the support of local neighbors, shops and businesses to make the project possible. What started as a dream gradually materialized with the help of these dedicated community members. In total, the new sports field project mobilized 131 community and John Deere volunteers, logged 857 volunteer hours, involved 3,472 hours of community participation, engaged 474 young people and brought in 312,219 pesos in cost share.

As the Sowing Futures program continues in Granadero Baigorria and Las Rosas, the goal is to develop, scale and sustain community and youth development projects that improve livelihoods and social cohesion, particularly for disadvantaged youth. Activities will include community and microenterprise opportunities for income generation, collaborative sports and educational projects for positive youth development, substance abuse prevention, mentorship and career guidance at schools, and institutionalizing a social incubator for volunteerism and community engagement.

argentina-hero
CRISIS TO RESILIENCE SERIES

Employing a Locally-Led Approach to Social Development in Argentina

11,008

people trained in over 340 public-private partnerships to help them improve their livelihoods

12,246

corporate and civic volunteer hours logged

66

organizations and 36 communities supported

72

partnerships developed

Recent Programs

Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Sowing Futures program staff in Argentina worked tirelessly to reassess local conditions, maintain contact with program stakeholders, coordinate with local John Deere teams and reprogram activities to meet the growing needs of at-risk families. Between April and October 2020, John Deere Argentina, through Sowing Futures, delivered 129,728 food rations and 2,930 hygiene kits to approximately 1,146 families across Granadero Baigorria and Las Rosas. We also provided medical equipment and supplies to the Las Rosas health clinic. Finally, to ensure relief continues to reach those most in need, we developed a network of local partners that include Deere Argentine/Pla, municipal governments, neighborhood groups and community-based organizations that coordinate ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.

Parents, children and volunteers building a community garden

In the city of Granadero Baigorria, community residents and John Deere volunteers worked with the parents of preschool students to grow and sustain a community garden. The project taught parents and their children about the impact that developing healthy eating habits has on children’s educational growth and offered classes on how to prepare healthy meals and create gardens at home.

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