Equal Exchange founded the Congo Coffee Project as a means to bring Congolese coffee to market in the United States, and to raise awareness about the alarmingly high rate of sexual violence engendered by the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through the sale of Congolese coffee, EE has raised more than $80,000 for survivors and the community.
Over the years, the funding has been dedicated to the vocational and skills training program at the Maison Dorcas Center at the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, an aftercare center that supports survivors of sexual violence.
This week, Dr. Denis Mukwege, founder of the Panzi Hospital, received the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize!
Dr. Mukwege’s leadership, dedication, commitment and strong voice are truly an inspiration. The Panzi Hospital has become known as a safe place for survivors of sexual violence to seek treatment and heal from their trauma, as well as providing support to hundreds of women in their vocation program.
Littleton Co-op proudly carries Congo Coffee Project on our shelves, alongside many other varieties of excellent fair trade coffees. By choosing to make your morning cup a fair trade one, you are helping make the world a little bit better every day.
To learn more about Equal Exchange, the Congo Coffee Project, and what Fair Trade means, visit their website at EqualExchange.coop.
