Where coffee does more than quench a thirst.

As our church prepared for another Fairtrade event – loosely called a “Fairtrade Coffee Morning”, I noted how many of our church activities involve coffee.  Coffee mornings, after church coffee, lunch clubs etc.  Worldwide some 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year.  But how concerned are we about the sources of the coffee we consume and the labour involved in growing it?

Amongst Operation Agri’s many activities around the world help is being provided in support of a project in Thailand where coffee growing is doing a lot of good.  Nohan, our partner contact in this coffee programme has for many years worked to encourage local people away from drug addiction. Long term success has come through involving the former addicts in generating an income by growing coffee.  With advice and help in cultivating coffee bushes the men are given a new source of income and a new focus in life.  Over 70% of those who have participated in the programme have come off drugs for good. 

Nohan’s hard work in this field has been recognised by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board in Thailand who last year selected him “as an outstanding person” in this field of helping addicts away from drugs and in rehabilitation activities.

We congratulate Nohan on this award and note with pleasure that coffee doesn’t just help to provide a fellowship opportunity and make us feel good but in these circumstances it also helps to give many a new start in life.

                                                            Stan Crees, Overseas Secretary, Operation Agri.