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SLU Inspires Kenyan Co. to create local employment |
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Written by Contributor
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Monday, 09 November 2009 08:47 |
Experiences in St. Lawrence's program of study in Kenya by
mother-and-daughter alumnae of the program, plus a current student,
have inspired the creation of Ajiri Tea, a company formed with the
mission of creating employment for the people of western Kenya and
educating orphans in the region.
Bowdoin graduate Sara
Holby, who participated in the St. Lawrence Kenya program, was working
for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Africa, when her mother,
Ann Funkhouser '79, also a Kenya program alum, visited her in the
spring of 2009. They were joined in May by Kate Holby '12 and together,
they have formed the company.
Ajiri Kenyan black tea is purchased from a tea factory in the Kisii
district of Kenya and employs women in Kisii to handcraft the box
labels, beads and twine for packaging. All profits are sent back to the
community through donation to the Ajiri Foundation to educate orphans
by paying their school fees and purchasing their books and uniforms. By
supporting farmers, employing women to create the unique handmade
labels on every tea box, and paying school fees for orphans, the
company founders hope to make a difference in Kenya today and in the
future.
Kate Holby, of Upper Black Eddy, PA, says that some stores near her
home have begun stocking the tea, as is Brewer Bookstore at St.
Lawrence. She is exploring other sales outlets near the University. For
more information about the company, its mission and its product, visit
the Ajiri Tea Web site.
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