HOW OUR COFFEE TRANSFORMS LIVES IN ETHIOPIA
Empowering Coffee-Growing Communities
At Indigo Valley, we are deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference in the coffee-growing communities worldwide. Coffee is often cultivated in remote tropical regions, presenting unique challenges to families living there. That’s why we proudly support Compassion’s intervention projects, which empower children and families in regions grappling with extreme poverty.
Since 1993, Compassion has been a driving force in Ethiopia – the birthplace of coffee – transforming lives and futures. Through our recent partnership, we’ve contributed to a significant intervention project that has empowered 1,008 caregivers, helping them break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient.
THE PROBLEM
CHILDREN ARE BORN INTO POVERTY
In regions marked by severe poverty, caregivers often face overwhelming challenges. Earning below £0.44 a day – far beneath the international extreme poverty line – families struggle to provide basic needs, let alone afford education or opportunities to break the cycle of deprivation.
THE INTERVENTION
INCOME GENERATION TRAINING
Compassion’s programme equips caregivers with training and microloans, enabling them to start small businesses. Through 52 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), participants gain vital skills in financial management, entrepreneurship, and market linkages. These groups foster community unity, instilling confidence and the means to achieve financial stability.
The Outcome
LIVES TRANSFORMED
Thanks to this intervention:
- Countless families can now afford essentials like food, clothing, and school supplies while setting aside regular savings.
- 1,008 families now have sustainable incomes, quadrupling their earnings from less than £13 a month to an average of £93.
- 434 caregivers have fully repaid their loans, collectively saving £14,000 – an inspiring testament to their determination and resilience.
Real Stories of Change
Abeba:
Abeba, a mother of six, doubled her income by stabilising and expanding her shop with a £266 loan. She now saves £6 monthly, ensuring a secure future for her family.
Tarngo:
Once surviving on less than £20 a month, Tarngo started a fast-food business that now generates £40 monthly. She proudly provides three meals a day for her family and continues to expand her enterprise.
Yohannes:
As a cook, Yohannes struggled to meet basic needs for her children. Today, she earns enough to provide food, school supplies, and rent without external support.
Mershet:
Mershet launched a barbershop to support his family, joining many others who’ve started businesses like goat herding, clothing stores, and sheep fattening.
Progress in the Face of Adversity
This intervention has not only uplifted individual families but strengthened entire communities in Ethiopia. By fostering financial independence and community resilience, it aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 8, promoting decent work and economic growth.
Despite challenges like inflation and political unrest, these caregivers have shown remarkable determination. They’ve transformed their lives and their communities, proving that change is possible even in the most difficult circumstances.
Through your support of Indigo Valley coffee, you’re contributing to a brighter future for families worldwide. Together, we’re not just enjoying great coffee—we’re making a meaningful, lasting impact. Although this project has now come to an end, the changes it has brought about will continue to benefit these communities for years to come. Read the full End of project update, CLICK HERE >
Our partnership with Compassion:
– Find out more about Compassion’s work in Ethiopia click here >
– Buy coffee for home to support Compassion’s work click here >
– Read our interview with Compassion click here >
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