For the next two weeks, we will be joining the movement, celebrating the difference we can all make when we choose Fairtrade and shining a spotlight on the people and communities behind our Fairtrade products.
By choosing Fairtrade International flowers, you are supporting opportunities that can transform lives and create brighter futures for flower farm workers, their families and their communities.
When Cosmas Ogega Ongeki joined Bohemian Flowers in Kenya, he had recently completed his education and hoped to build a career. Although he originally wanted to become an electrical technician, the cost of college meant that this ambition was out of reach.
After learning about the bursaries available through the Fairtrade Premium, Cosmas successfully applied for support to complete his first driving qualification. He went on to gain three separate driving qualifications, progressing from a general worker to a skilled tractor driver within Bohemian Flowers’ transport department.
Reaching this point required determination. Cosmas continued working his regular shifts while attending driving school and even used his annual leave to complete practical training and exams around 200 kilometres away from the farm.
His new role has increased his earning potential and enabled him to save towards building a house for his family. Cosmas now hopes to continue progressing and eventually qualify as a large truck driver, transporting flowers from the farm to Nairobi.
“I didn’t have driving experience. Now I am a tractor driver. Fairtrade has changed my life through skills upgrade.”
Cosmas is one of 364 workers who benefited from the Workers Skills Upgrade initiative in 2025, demonstrating how the Fairtrade Premium can turn collective investment into new skills, career progression and lasting opportunities.
