The Ugandan Story...
As part of our commitment to people and their environment, we visited Uganda again in April 2009. We had been the year before and it revealed not only a deep-rooted need, but the realization that a solution was not just for one generation to resolve. So deep did the hurt and damage reach from years past, that it is going to take both our generation and the generation of our children to solve. We determined to return, taking with us a group of high potential influencers from the next generation, yes, you've got it, young people with a passion and a vision. Such a group was ready, willing and very eager to learn. After passing a rigorous vetting procedure they set about raising the money to go - certain of a cause that they had committed themselves to.
Despite under-going the potential trauma of losing their church building to a devastating fire, this team buckled down to help raise thousands of pounds required for such a venture. Inventive ideas ranging from sponsored walks and a presentation to influential community leaders to setting up small Business ventures combined with extremely generous donations from many quarters, eventually raised the required sum. |  |
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The group of 7 youngsters...
Ranging from 13 to 17, the group set out with just 3 adults on a life-changing expedition that included both travelling a and sleeping just the way an native Ugandan would. Visiting schools, orphanages, churches and city streets, there was never a moment lost extending both their understanding and their chance to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.
From Masaka south of the equator to Buwesunguyi on Mount Elgon next door to Kenya where we saw the coffee plantations they gave everything they had and even more.
Whilst in Jinja we were unexpectedly invited to import Ugandan coffee from the Mount Elgon Region into the UK. This had never crossed our minds and was far from the reason for our trip. However it became immediately apparent that this is an ideal way of us helping them to help themselves. I am certain that we all realize this is the best form of help we could possibly provide. So we accepted this offer eagerly, came back home and set up a new company! |
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Britain joins the coffee cuilture...
Following the lead of Italy, America and many other countries, Britain has now joined the Coffee Culture. With more time for leisure we often like to linger over that cup of coffee, whether it be with a friend to enjoy a chat, or even for that business appointment to ensure we have made the right connections.
But whilst this is all fine, we need to ensure that we are not enjoying ourselves at the expense of someone else's hardship. All too often the story at the other end of our pleasure is filled with grief and sadness; and coffee is no exception. |
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Wake Up and smell the Cofee...
"WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE" was born to help ensure that we all get a good deal out of the 'Coffee Story'; from the farmer and the picker, to the retailer and the drinker! At "WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE" we will be ensuring we bring quality products to the fore that have been fairly traded and ethically produced, whilst also ensuring the rain forests and the land have not been abused.
In short this is a practical way to give benefit to these needy people, provided that the trade is completed fairly and genuinely. On investigation we found that there was a lot that we and for that matter, many people in this country, don't know about coffee and the way it comes to our cup. We felt it time to "WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE", that is to say get a realistic angle on what's going on - so that's what we called the company! |
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Hannah's 15th birthday...
The company was born in our minds on Hannah's 15th birthday in Jinja, Uganda at the source of the river Nile. It became established as a project in June when "WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE LTD" was registered with Companies House and began formally on 19th September. We will begin trading during December when the retail website www.wakeup.me.uk will be launched to the public. |
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Quality coffee...
In line with the whole reason for starting the project, the business will be founded on the firm principle of Quality, Quality and Quality! That is to say:
Quality of Coffee - for too long surely we have put up with pretty inferior stuff from many supermarket shelves where price appears to be the only criteria, about time we understood the real thing!
Quality of Life - the people who labour endlessly to provide us with our coffee culture are so often overlooked, and frequently get small reward. It is possible for us to have the best of both worlds if we want to make that decision. A few pence extra at our end would change a life forever at the beginning of the chain.
Quality of our Planet - Whereas we may not all agree with the politician's endless debate on climate change , we must surely agree that we need to leave our planet in good shape for our children. So let's look at sustainability and pollution and wasteful activity in responsible fashion - again it doesn't cost a fortune, but it does take determination not to cut the corners. |
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Back home...
Since our return it has become even more obvious that these folk need great help. Numerous attempts at getting answers to emails and phone calls, discussions with UK import administrators and the like have still not resulted in anything looking like success. We currently are expecting to have to visit again in order to set up their end of any trade deal.
But although it is taking some time to get the Ugandans on board, we have started out in partnership with a great UK producer who has been enormously helpful in getting us up the learning curve. There is so much for us to accomplish and it feels like so little time to achieve it. However we will be continually developing and you will see the story unveiling as we go. At this point we have great plans, but will always be governed buy the clock, the calendar and our own mortal capabilities! Watch this space - you may even witness a miracle!
Ugandan Coffee... |
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