⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
A coffee blend is funding a water oasis in Burkina Faso, turning daily brews into lifelines for communities where clean water is a luxury. Students and a coffee roastery partner to build solar-powered hubs, proving coffee can be more than a commodity.
Real talk: A coffee blend is funding a water oasis in Burkina Faso. University of Tulsa students are using their expertise in engineering to create a sustainable solution for women who spend hours each day walking to collect water. Partnering with Topeca Coffee Roasters, they’ve transformed a simple cup into a lifeline for communities where water is a luxury, not a right.
“We believe clean water should be accessible to everyone.”
A Coffee Blend, a Water Oasis
The project, called “Your Morning Coffee, Their Clean Water,” sells a custom blend to raise funds for a community hub in Burkina Faso. The hub features solar-powered wells, sanitation facilities, and educational resources—providing not just water, but a foundation for long-term health and opportunity. “We believe clean water should be accessible to everyone,” says Emma Salon, a student behind the initiative. The blend’s name isn’t just marketing; it’s a pledge. Every sale chips away at the $15,000 needed to build the oasis, with TEEM promising to match donations up to $15,000.
The Ripple Effect of a Shared Cup
The collaboration between students and Topeca Coffee Roasters isn’t accidental. The roastery’s seed-to-cup model aligns with the project’s ethos: transparency, sustainability, and community. By rebranding their Zingo Espresso Blend, they’ve turned a daily ritual into a mission. Already, nearly $9,000 has been raised, proving that coffee can be more than a commodity. It’s a catalyst.
“We believe clean water should be accessible to everyone.”
What if every cup of coffee could be a catalyst for change? The Tulsa students’ project isn’t just about water—it’s about redefining what a cup can mean. How might your daily ritual ripple beyond the pour?
Questions & Answers
How does the coffee blend help solve Burkina Faso's water crisis?
The coffee blend funds a water oasis in Burkina Faso by selling a custom blend called "Your Morning Coffee, Their Clean Water." Each sale contributes to building a community hub with solar-powered wells and sanitation facilities, providing clean water and educational resources to women and families.
What is the partnership between the University of Tulsa and Topeca Coffee Roasters?
The University of Tulsa partners with Topeca Coffee Roasters to create a sustainable solution for water access. Together, they rebranded the Zingo Espresso Blend to raise funds for a water oasis, aligning their seed-to-cup model with the project's goals of transparency and community impact.
Why is clean water important for the communities in Burkina Faso?
Clean water is vital for the health and opportunity of communities in Burkina Faso, where women spend hours daily collecting water. The project provides not just water but also sanitation facilities and educational resources, creating a foundation for long-term development and empowerment.
How much money has been raised for the water oasis project?
Nearly $9,000 has been raised for the water oasis project through the sale of the custom coffee blend. TEEM promises to match donations up to $15,000, bringing the total goal closer as the initiative turns coffee into a catalyst for change.
Originally reported by Barista Magazine.
