Social Responsibility

Peasant communities in rural Perú are the custodians of some of the best and extensive farmlands in the country. And for good reasons the people who live and work on these lands have historically been very protective of their inheritance.

Stratos has the rights to use land in one of the oldest communities in the North of Peru. Its origins are lost in the sands of time, but it is historically accurate that, for at least the past 500 years, its anthropometrics remained the same.

Over the years this community has received many offers for their farmlands but they have been reluctant to give up their forefathers’ lands. In the history of this land there have been many deeds and transfers. Community leaders are reluctant to sign new agreements with new parties. It takes a knowledgeable and confident understanding between parties to make progress.

This is the context and the environment where a solid commitment to Social Responsibility must come into play. Stratos believes in a healthy community supporting a healthy work environment, and it is committed to making sure those communities that are part of the Stratos family are taken care of.

Stratos’ initial approach was to foster short training seminars targeting the leaders of the community. The first seminar was on management and a basic planning technique. “Talking Maps” that allow participants to visualize their resources - the past; their current challenges and status situation – the present; and how they envision their development and the future.

As you can see in the accompanying photo, the community leaders participated in the first seminar. They were present for an introduction by Stratos where they learned about the sugarcane project and investments. It is a significant part of the future of this Community.

These seminars are also sponsored by the leading university of northern Perú , San Martin de Porres, and are developed by university faculty to enlist the talents and experience of the local community. These seminars are intended to build a sense of community between the local people who have lived in this region for generations and to create a long-term social and economic engine that can help sustain its people for generations to come.

All the participants receive a certification from the San Martin de Porres, University after attending the seminars. Because of this, the participants are highly motivated and the certificate is proof of their achievement. It has created a personal sense of pride for the families of the Community.