Since its founding in 2003, the coffee cooperative has grown to include over 1,000 members. JJ is 48 years old and has 25 children, more than half of whom he adopted after they lost their parents to AIDS. Thanks to Fair Trade, and his relationship with Thanksgiving Coffee Company, JJ has been able to increase the value of his organic, shade-grown coffee, expand his farm, and pay school tuition fees for all of his children. His neighbors are also thriving and hopes for peace are high.
Trade as One Peace Blend is made with an antique Arabica varietal grown on the fertile volcanic slopes of Mt. Elgon. Supporting this fine coffee is a sun-dried Ethiopian coffee from the Sidama Farmers Cooperative Union. This unique medium roast blend has overtones of vanilla, spice, a nutty sweetness, and comes with hints of berries. We love it.
Our friend Lynne Hybels loves it, too. Here’s what she thinks.
“In an age when religious differences too often lead to violence and suffering, authentic faith compels us to build bonds of friendship, dialog and peace in which the spirit of God can work. The leaders of Mirembe Kawomera have done that—and more. They have created a tangible expression of their unity, a fair trade / organic coffee that wakes our bodies and souls and fuels the Mirembe Kawomera vision of shalom.” — Lynne Hybels
Spotlight: Khainza Jane
Khainza Jane is a member of the Peace Kawomera cooperative, the supplier of our Thanksgiving Coffee blend called the Trade as One Peace Blend. She explains that Peace Kawomera is an organization whose purpose it is to champion unity among people regardless of culture or religion to bring development. Her life has changed as a result of her membership in this cooperative. Specifically, Peace Kawomera has taught her how to care for her coffee so that yields have increased while also earning a fair price for her coffee. Since nine children live in her home, her life has been impacted in very practical ways as a result of fair trade coffee. She says she is able to educate her children, provide clothing and even purchase small animals like goats.
When she thinks about her hopes for the future, she says, “My hopes for the future are for all the children I am care taking to get work. I also want grandkids. It’s okay if they are farmers. I give thanks to the pioneers of Peace Kawomera, all the members of the board and the original members. I hope that relationships with Thanksgiving Coffee Company last for a long time so they can achieve their goals of education, because this type of relationship, growth, and partnership takes time.”
Connect on Facebook
Follow on Twitter