Coffee Farmers Support School Improvements

Coffee farmers supplying to Kerchanshe Trading PLC, a dedicated farming and exporting operation in Oromiya, Ethiopia, are actively investing Fair Trade Premium funds to transform their local communities. Following their initial Fair Trade certification in 2019, the workers established the Adola Fair Trade Committee. Since that milestone, they have consistently prioritized projects that address daily community needs. These crucial investments support shared infrastructure, providing reliable access to potable water, essential road improvements, household electrification, and upgraded educational facilities for surrounding families. A powerful example of this ongoing commitment is the recent revitalization of the Derartu Primary School. Through a comprehensive needs assessment and collaborative community discussions, farmers identified a critical lack of basic educational resources and learning infrastructure. To solve this problem, the committee approved an investment of $9,620 USD from their Community Development Funds. Working closely with local residents, the coffee farmers directed these funds toward strengthening the physical school building so it can properly serve young students in the area. This targeted educational investment is expected to benefit approximately 2,000 people across the surrounding community. So far, the project has successfully completed the building and now the school is moving through the official government registration process. As they look ahead, the community plans to equip the building with any remaining necessary supplies, ensuring the facility is fully prepared and welcoming when the next academic cycle begins.