Coffee and a Classroom: How Starbucks Reserve is investing in Uganda

In the Sipi Falls region of Eastern Uganda, “coffee is everything.”

“Over the years, the farmers have earned the reputation for producing some of the finest coffee from Uganda,” said Emmanuel Egaddu of Kawacom, one of our coffee suppliers.

Located on the slopes of Mount Elgon, this community represents a changing coffee landscape. Instead of growing robusta coffee like much of the country, they’re producing arabica coffee , known for its refined flavor and complexity.

Their commitment to improving the quality of their coffee is evident in Starbucks Reserve® Uganda Sipi Falls. We’re proud to offer this exceptional coffee in July through the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Subscription .

Any time we purchase coffee for the Starbucks Reserve® program, we look for opportunities to invest in that coffee-growing country . In this case, we found an opportunity to give back right in the Sipi Falls community. The Chema Secondary School serves more than 300 students, many of whom are children of coffee farmers. The school, which opened in 2010, used to be a private primary school. Although it was renovated, students still faced a difficult learning environment.

“The already existing classrooms were constructed using semi-permanent structures from sticks and mud that need constant renovations given the heavy rains in the area,” Egaddu said. “These same rains tend to disrupt the learning process with classes forcefully stopped or conducted in open space under trees that present other dangers.”

With the help of Kawacom and community partners, we helped fund the construction of a new classroom block. Egaddu says the new classroom, which was completed in May 2016, provides a more stable atmosphere for the students.

“The new block has already created a stronger sense of belonging and pride within the community,” Egaddu said.

Coffee Notes
FLAVOR DESCRIPTION Lemon acidity with creamy caramel notes

ROASTERY SUBSCRIPTION This is our July subscription coffee. It’s expertly roasted in the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room in Seattle, then shipped fresh within 48 hours. Subscribe by July 3, 2016 to receive this coffee.