How Your Morning Coffee is Changing Lives in Uganda ✨☕

At RISE Coffee Box, we’ve always believed coffee is about more than just a delicious cup. From day one, our mission has been to create a ripple effect for people, for the planet, and for the communities who grow the beans we all love. That's also why we are B Corp certified. 

It's also why we set up the Friendly Coffee Fund. With every order, 1% of sales goes directly back to coffee-growing regions to fund community projects. It’s not just about sourcing ethical beans it’s about making sure the people at the start of the coffee journey have opportunities for a brighter future.

This year, the Friendly Coffee Fund has been supporting child education projects in Uganda. That means essentials like uniforms, meals, school supplies, fees, and even access to technology... the things that keep kids in school, thriving, and full of possibility.

To hear what this looks like on the ground, we spoke to two inspiring people: a headteacher and an Agri Partner (our local link between farmers and the fund). Their words show just how powerful your morning brew can be.

🎓 A Headteacher’s Perspective

We spoke with Mumbere Kelvin who is Head Teacher of Kathasenda Super Preparator nursery and primary school where the children support by our fund go to school. We asked him a few questions recently. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“The most fulfilling part of my role is seeing the transformative impact education has on children’s lives. Watching pupils discover their potential, grow in confidence, and overcome challenges — that’s what makes this work so rewarding.”

Why is funding so important?

“Many children face barriers beyond the classroom — poverty, lack of resources, emotional challenges. Support allows us to level the playing field with essentials like uniforms, meals, and technology. Without it, many children would simply be left behind.”

What difference does it make?

“It changes everything. Not just academic outcomes, but self-worth, confidence, and belonging. We’ve seen struggling students become thriving ones. The support doesn’t just provide materials — it provides hope, dignity, and opportunity.”

🌱 Geofrey’s Story – Agri Partner in Kasese

Meet Geofrey Ntajumba Thembo, one of our brilliant Agri Partners in Kilhambayiro, Kasese. Geofrey works closely with farmers and schools to make sure the Friendly Coffee Fund gets to the children who need it most.

His role includes:

• Mobilising farmers and registering them for traceability

• Ensuring school fees and funds are delivered on time

• Identifying vulnerable children such as orphans and those living with disabilities

• Making sure receipts and accountability are in place

• Collaborating with local leaders to strengthen communities

On why it matters:

“Supporting these children improves their lives, raises their academic standards, and keeps them in school. It also relieves their guardians, who can then use what little they have for food and materials.”

On the children themselves:

“They’re so grateful. They treasure school supplies like books, shoes, and bags. They love meeting their supporters and always ask for the programme to continue. They especially love being able to eat meals at school.”

Geofrey also highlighted a bigger need: safe water remains a challenge in their community, a reminder that there’s still much more to do.

💛 The Bigger Picture

Hearing directly from teachers and partners makes one thing crystal clear: your morning coffee really can change lives.

When you choose RISE, whether it’s a subscription, a gift, advent calendar, or even a one-off box you’re not just discovering great coffee. You’re helping a child in Uganda stay in school, gain confidence, and build a brighter future.

Through the Friendly Coffee Fund, we’ve already committed thousands of pounds to projects like this, and we’re only just getting started. With your support, we can grow the fund, reach more children, and spread the ripple effect even further across coffee-growing regions.

So the next time you brew your RISE coffee, take a sip and smile because somewhere in Uganda, a child is smiling too. ✨☕