My name is Fridah. I come from Uganda, a beautiful country in Africa. With over ten years of experience in the coffee industry, my expertise spans barista skills, quality control, Q and R grading, coffee roasting, and farming.
But my passion extends far beyond coffee—it’s about community, culture, and making a difference.
The Purpose Behind My Travels
Traveling has always been more than exploring new landscapes or experiencing diverse cultures. For me, travel is a journey of learning and sharing. It allows me to connect with people, understand their stories, and deepen my knowledge of coffee culture worldwide.
I’ve always believed that coffee is more than a drink—it’s a bridge that connects people, ideas, and opportunities. This belief led me to a life-changing experience in the Philippines.
Joining Stairway Foundation
In 2022, a friend invited me to visit Stairway. What I initially thought would be a simple trip turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Founded in 1990, Stairway Foundation is a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting and empowering children. At its core, Stairway is about transformation—unlocking potential, igniting purpose, and shaping a better future for children and their communities. Under its Family Home Program, Stairway nurtures young minds through various activities, providing training in agriculture, cyber safety, and child abuse prevention, among other areas.
Empowering Communities Through Agriculture
As a volunteer, I was honored to contribute to this incredible mission by working on the Stairway Organic Farm. Together with the local workers, we planted 850 coffee seedlings, laying the foundation for a sustainable coffee initiative that is part of a larger community development plan in three remote indigenous communities. Stairway’s community assistance program uplifts livelihoods by supporting agriculture-based projects, such as:
- Coffee and cocoa farming
- Soybean production
- Fish farming
- Poultry and piggery
By equipping impoverished indigenous communities with sustainable farming techniques, Stairway is not just providing opportunities—it’s building a future where self-reliance and prosperity can thrive.
A Life-Changing Experience
Working alongside and within these communities has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Despite their daily challenges, the resilience, unity, and unwavering positivity of the people left a lasting impact on me. Through my coffee expertise, I have been able to share knowledge on:
- Proper coffee harvesting techniques
- Achieving high-quality coffee standards
- Chocolate-making from cacao seeds
- Creative ways to use local resources, like turning cassava into cassava choco nuts
But more than teaching, I was learning. I saw firsthand the power of community, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Building Bonds Beyond Borders
This journey has reinforced my belief that genuine connection transcends nationality, culture, and background. Even though I come from a different part of the world, I found a family in these communities. We may speak different languages and have different traditions, but at our core, we are the same—we breathe the same air, dream of a better future, and share the same humanity. The experience has reminded me that respect and kindness are universal languages. It’s not about where you come from but how you treat people.
Conclusion
As a volunteer, I carry a simple philosophy: treat others as you wish to be treated. Respect goes beyond race, nationality, or culture—it’s about recognizing our shared existence and working together to build a better world. I am deeply grateful for this journey and excited for what’s ahead.
To Stairway Foundation and the communities I worked with, thank you for welcoming me, teaching me, and allowing me to be part of something great.