Painful and horrific as the 1990 to 1993 genocide was between the Batutsis and the Bahutus of Rwanda, the more devastating story of the end of the African continent and its people began over 100 years prior, during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 to divide Africa. This is a facinating historical guide that I encourage everyone to read during a quiet moment.Nonetheless, let's fast-forward to the present and highlight the good works being done to bring hope to countless people within Rwanda who desparately need our help.
Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture. It is the most densely populated country in Africa and is landlocked with few natural resources and minimal industry. Primary foreign exchange earners are coffee and tea. In 1994, there were very few functioning schools, hospitals, or factories. Public utilities like telephones, electricity and water were largely non existent. There was total displacement of the population, both internally and externally.
The road out of their current strain is the same road most of us travel without thought each day - education. We've all heard of the tremendous work Oprah is doing in South Africa and throughout the world. Well, there are many Oprahs in our global communities.
But out of despair comes hope and an opportunity to rebuild and create an even stronger community. And it all starts with, what else, education. The Maranyundo School for Girls in Nyamata, Rwanda is one such story.
The Culture Shop is excited to help the School through the purchase of Rwandan coffee from Thousand Hills Coffee Company, which was "formed to supply the United States with quality Arabica coffee from Rwanda and to help subsidize and promote the Rwanda Middle School Project."
As the rich blend of The Thousand Hills Coffee aroma fills the Shop's cafe area, you cannot help but have a "Calgon" moment. Your purchase of this coffee, whole bean or ground, will directly support the school project - which is slated to open for classes January 2008. Please call ahead or order online - we'll always have a bag waiting for you.
Thank you - from the children of Nyamata, Rwanda.
