Athalia Deborah 32 years old, Jewish
Deborah enjoys a quiet moment in her living room. Photo: Rachel Namadousi, 2005
What does coffee mean to you and your family?
It is a very important to us, it is our major cash crop and its delicacy makes it a perfect beverage. It was a crop grown by our fore parents.
What are your hopes for the future?
I have hopes of modernizing further my coffee quality and growing more coffee, the prices seem good to favour this venture.
What difference has Fair Trade made in your life?
There is one remarkable issue with fair trade and that is the issue of prices, whether the world prices go down with fair trade it is constant and farmers are assured of their bonus.
What does the Mirembe Kawomera Cooperative mean to your community?
It has caused the spirit of teamwork and strengthened cooperation and unity in the community. There is an interfaith working relationship between Muslims, Christians and Jews.
What does it mean when religions work together for peace in a world that’s often divided by religious violence?
There is a sense of religious tolerance, the communities understand and have considerations for others.
What is the best thing about working together in a cooperative?
People with a cooperating spirit develop quickly, they live peacefully and always there is harmony among them.