Sholi

Bright and sweet and juicy with notes of citrus, green melon & black tea.

Producer: Sholi Cooperative

Location: Muhanga District, 1800-2000masl

Variety: Bourbon

Certifications: Fair Trade & Rainforest Alliance

Process: Washed

Importing Partner: Atlas Coffee

Abateraninkunga ba Sholi (“Sholi”) Cooperative, meaning “Mutual Assitance,” is located in Muhanga disctrict, Southern Province, in the center of Rwanda about halfway between Kigali and Lake Kivu. Established in 2008, Sholi has been producing coffee for nearly a decade, and the cooperative’s name speaks to its members working together to improve both their coffee and the greater community.  Sholi was borne out of a women’s assication called “Kundwa”, which means “love” in Kinyarwanda. The cooperative received their Fairtrade certification in 2015 and Rainforest Alliance certification in 2016.

In 2016, Sholi received a grant to build both a community center and regional health center to serve members and local residents. With the nearest larger health facility being over 18 km away on poor roads, the blood tests and treatment they can provide for malaraia, parasites, respiratory infection, and basic first aid are incredibly beneficial. Betty, the head nurse, along with the other four staff members, are hoping to run a nutrition and cooking program to combat early childhood (< 5 years old) malnutrition, as well as working out some public-health partnerships with other clinics in the region.