What could be better than a night with unlimited coffee, Ethiopian food, Black Gold, and fabulous people? Nothing! And that is exactly what we and our guests experienced the other night at the Ethiopian Coffee and Culture Celebration.
We are so grateful for our friendship with Jason Dominy who opened Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters for the event and graciously spent the evening brewing free coffee for all who wanted to try a taste. It allowed us to feel a more personal connection to the Ethiopian coffee famers whom we saw in the documentary Black Gold.
You might be wondering, “And what do primary schools have to do with coffee…?” Well, coffee is the main source of income for many families in rural Ethiopia. Its production is a team effort of both the parents and children taking part in the strenuous work. However, most of them are not paid fair prices, often just 23 cents per kilo. Meanwhile, we pay at least $2.00 for one cup. With such small wages, parents must choose between putting food on the table and sending their children to school. Those who do have enough to enroll in school certainly do not also have enough to contribute financially to school improvements, although the community members are eager to help in any way that they are able. The motivation and desire for education are present, but the resources are not. Where is the opportunity to progress in this cycle? Thus, we are raising awareness and funds for the farmers who are not receiving nearly what they deserve and for their children who are consequently deprived of an education.
Thanks to a local Ethiopian group, we also got a glimpse Ethiopia’s dance and fashion during dinner. Huge thanks is also due to Bahel Ethiopian Cuisine, California Mart, Lodot, and Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine for donating all of the dishes. We especially want to thank Keffa Coffee for donating Ethiopian coffee for us to sell.
“If Africa’s share of world trade increased by one percent it would generate a further $70 billion a year, five times the amount the continent now receives in aid”
-Black Gold
We are so grateful for our friendship with Jason Dominy who opened Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters for the event and graciously spent the evening brewing free coffee for all who wanted to try a taste. It allowed us to feel a more personal connection to the Ethiopian coffee famers whom we saw in the documentary Black Gold.
You might be wondering, “And what do primary schools have to do with coffee…?” Well, coffee is the main source of income for many families in rural Ethiopia. Its production is a team effort of both the parents and children taking part in the strenuous work. However, most of them are not paid fair prices, often just 23 cents per kilo. Meanwhile, we pay at least $2.00 for one cup. With such small wages, parents must choose between putting food on the table and sending their children to school. Those who do have enough to enroll in school certainly do not also have enough to contribute financially to school improvements, although the community members are eager to help in any way that they are able. The motivation and desire for education are present, but the resources are not. Where is the opportunity to progress in this cycle? Thus, we are raising awareness and funds for the farmers who are not receiving nearly what they deserve and for their children who are consequently deprived of an education.
Thanks to a local Ethiopian group, we also got a glimpse Ethiopia’s dance and fashion during dinner. Huge thanks is also due to Bahel Ethiopian Cuisine, California Mart, Lodot, and Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine for donating all of the dishes. We especially want to thank Keffa Coffee for donating Ethiopian coffee for us to sell.
“If Africa’s share of world trade increased by one percent it would generate a further $70 billion a year, five times the amount the continent now receives in aid”
-Black Gold
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