Vava Coffee
Lamu Island, off Kenya's north coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with pristine beaches and a busy tourist season. But that money rarely reaches the locals who need it most. Only 21% of people on the island are in formal employment, and literacy levels are among the lowest in the country.
For young people, the gap between a thriving tourism industry and a real career is wide. With few pathways into skilled work, many are pulled towards drug abuse and crime. Lamu has the visitors and the demand. What's missing is training and a way in.
Gente Del Futuro (GDF), led by Vava Angwenyi of Vava Coffee, trains young people on Lamu Island in coffee and hospitality. Their program combines Specialty Coffee Association curriculum with hands-on bar time, visiting trainers and roasters from around the world, including Commonfolk, and support finding work after graduation.
The Cup That Counts first backed GDF's coffee program at Swahili Soul, a four-day retreat on Lamu celebrating local food, music and culture. Our funding covered training, coffee and brewing equipment, transport and live demonstrations where trainees served guests. 22 young people completed the program, and several are now working as baristas in local cafes and hotels. Lamu County's Minister for Tourism attended and has thrown her support behind the program.
We then funded the next step: La Dulce Toro, a training cafe in Old Town Lamu. Trainees learn on the job while the cafe serves excellent Kenyan coffee to tourists and locals, with its profits funding future intakes. In total, The Cup That Counts contributed over $25,000 to Vava Coffee and Gente Del Futuro.
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