We turned the mighty age of 10 years old last November, and although we’ve done lots in that time, nothing makes us prouder than our continued work with the Point Foundation in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Seeing the amazing progress they are making in the beautiful country that gives us our much loved everyday brew has always been one of the most rewarding parts of life at teapigs.
For us, March is a time to share with you the wonderful work Point Foundation do and shine a light on the teapigs ethical scheme – which has been a core part of teapigs for the past 8 years. (You just might not know it!)
Up until now, we’ve donated a percentage of every pack of english breakfast we sell – so, consciously or not – if you drink our everyday brew, you’re the reason we’ve managed to raise over £150,000 for The Point Foundation. Charles and Karen popped in recently to give us an update on how your donations are helping the lives of young and vulnerable children within tea growing communities:
Uniforms, lunches and books
We currently support 20 children with special educational needs who are being funded to attend the House of Children School, covering ‘hidden’ costs such as lunches and transport. In addition teapigs have contributed to the purchase of 400 books for the school, enabling more learning across different subjects.
Students
Only two of the original teapigs sponsored University students are left to complete their degree this year. What an end of an era! Looking back on the progress all the students have made has been astonishing as they are finishing up internships in biomedicine, writing dissertations and completing degrees in hospitality and tourism. Their futures’ are beaming bright.
The Turning Point House
Turning Point House was originally set up to support young adults who had left the orphanage to become independent or in between education and work. It will sadly be closing in 6 months, but teapigs have helped the house keep going for longer than anticipated which has made such a difference to those still needing to stay there. It has not been a place just offering a bed, food and safety but has become a space to allow the members to develop and find their confidence within.
The teapigs House
The Point Foundation runs a disability program in collaboration with the Gallagher Trust. They manage houses that provide specialist care and accommodation for disabled children and young adults. teapigs fully fund one of the houses – teapigs house - home to 9 people with disabilities. Our donations also go towards the upkeep of other houses.
There has been amazing progression with lots of members within the house who have taken big steps forward in their personal goals, their development of vital life skills, and improvements with their nutritional and medical care; all enhancing their happiness. However, due to food produce being immensely valuable in Rwanda, there has been some chicken theft! So we’ve now employed a night security guard to keep everyone safe and sound.
We firmly support the notion that every child has the right to receive sufficient access to education, and are fully aware that there is still lots more to be done. That’s why, we’ll still be donating money from all our english breakfast sales.
Tea is a wonderful thing, and we hope you’re as committed as us in ensuring the lives of the young and vulnerable members of the tea growing communities continue to thrive in a safe and empowering environment.
If you’d like to find out more about our ethical scheme, head over to our ethical page
Find out more about The Point foundation and their amazing work here
