The beginning of School

It's the start of a new school year in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  In recently Skyping with Amani and Espe, our Peace Exchange leaders on the ground in DRC, we heard stories of how our women are not only excited but able to send their kids to school from the money earned working in our fair trade program.  Believe it or not, education in most of Africa comes with a fee.  Yes, for a child to attend school and receive an education of any kind, the parents have to pay monthly school wages.  There is no free public education system.  In an area where people make on average $1.50 a day, and these people are mostly single mothers raising more than 1 child - education is often a privilege.  This is why fair trade is so important.  Fair Trade is the tool we use to empower women who have been left with no hope and educate their children... Creating a new generation of leaders in an area of desperate need.  In doing volunteer work abroad, many programs are not sustainable or they do not give enterprise to locals who need it the most.  This is where The Peace Exchange is different, we work with locals, buy local, employ locals and work to build economic sustainability.  Our mission is to not only employ women, but empower them and educate their children.  As stated by the legendary Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  We could not agree more!