|
|
|
      
Dawson and Munyiaichi Lyimo
Amkeni Specialty Coffee Growers
Fifteen years ago, Dawson and Munyiachi Lyimo started building a new home on their small coffee farm, shaded by lush banana leaves and nestled on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. But with seven children to put through school, they had to put a hold on their dream.
The new structure went unfinished and times remained tough until the Lyimos joined Amkeni Specialty Coffee Growers in 2000. Amkeni, which means "wake up" in Swahili, allowed them to access better markets and focus on improving quality. Four years later, they made their first sale to Peet's Coffee & Tea.
Their high quality coffee now fetches a 50% premium in the region. "Our two youngest children, Rehema and Humphrey, are still in high school," Dawson notes. "Without the higher price, I don't think we'd be able to send both."
The family has also been able to resume construction of their new home. They plan to complete it by their children's graduation.
Rehema hopes to become a teacher. "I want to teach my community and my country," she says proudly. Munyiachi echoes her daughter’s sentiments: "I want my children to improve their lives and build their nation."
Thanks to Amkeni and Peet’s, the Lyimos are finally realizing their dreams.
|
|
|
SIGN IN / MY ACCOUNT
