Creating Sustainable Solutions in Coffee-Growing Communities

Higher Ground’s Awaken Blend

Citrus * Caramel * Juicy

A lively blend to usher in spring, crafted with Guatemalan, Ethiopian and Colombian coffees. We donate $5 from the sale of each 12oz bag to On the Ground's Project Congo, increasing gender equity and empowering women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since 2014, numerous farming communities in the eastern DRC’s South Kivu region have partnered with On the Ground to create gender equity programs and expand the role of women in regional coffee production. Despite often being responsible for up to 80% of coffee farms labor in the DRC, many women never see a single Congolese Franc for their efforts.

The Muungano Cooperative has partnered with OTG to expand the scope of their GALS training, literacy classes, and credit and savings programs. Over the past several years, these innovative courses have helped coffee farming families gain a better understanding of how prosperity increases when women receive fair compensation for their work in the field and are given equal authority in determining household finances. Now, many of these families are looking to teach the GALS methodology in other nearby communities, creating a positive ripple effect across the region.

Content Warning: The following paragraph discusses sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Additionally, according to a 2007 DRC Demographic and Health Survey, approximately 1.80 million women in the DRC have been raped, while another 3.37 million have suffered sexual violence at the hands of their intimate partners. However, communities partnering with OTG are working to change cultural norms through Gender Action Learning System courses, which help men and women develop stronger, more sustainable communities through economic inclusivity and rejecting violence.

Gender Equity in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Aline Mukanirwa

“My name is Aline Mukanirwa, from Vomo community, 48 years old, mother of 8 children who are all alive. I am a widow , I lost my husband four years ago when the boat from Nyamasasa to Goma sink drowning in the lake Kivu, we didn't find his body until now. I always consider myself as the most beneficiary of On The Ground's Gender Equity program in DRCongo. My parents didn't send me to school as in the coustoms here only boys where privileged and girls has to stay home, you can't imagine how proud of myself I am As I can now read, write and calculate. I have learnt to save as possible as I can, very important now is the GALS( Gender Action Learning System) workshops. Before GALs there wasn't any harmony in my household in my family with my children... but now, by attending the GALS workshops, there is harmony in my family, we have a weekly meeting where even girls can suggest their opinion they can participate on the decision making ( this was a shame here in the past). We have now a clear written vision of what we want to achieve and how . I am happy than ever, I am really grateful to On The Ground.”

Massive Destruction in the DRC

Devastating flooding on May 5, 2023 in Kalehe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the shores of Lake Kivu, has greatly impacted our partner coffee-growing communities immensely. Hundreds have been killed and thousands are missing. Survivors are in dire need of medical aid, food, shelter, and emotional support. Please partner with us in providing this support.

Meet Our New Director of Development!

Stella Young has been a long time supporter of On the Ground - see our press release about her hiring! She recently joined several board members to visit our projects in Chiapas, Mexico. Learn more below about her trip.

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