The Kenya Coffee School (KCS) has introduced an innovative initiative called the “Barista on the Move” County Program, which brings barista training directly to coffee-growing regions using a fully equipped mobile caravan. This program is designed to make barista training more accessible to farmers, youth, and coffee enthusiasts in rural areas, empowering them with skills to add value to their coffee and explore new opportunities in the coffee industry.
What is the Barista on the Move County Program?
The Barista on the Move program is a mobile training initiative that travels to various counties in Kenya, particularly in coffee-growing regions. The program is housed inside a specially equipped caravan that serves as a mobile classroom and training facility. Here’s how it works:
- Mobile Caravan:
- The caravan is equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment for barista training, including espresso machines, grinders, milk steamers, and brewing devices.
- It also has seating, workstations, and storage for training materials.
- Target Audience:
- Coffee Farmers: Teaching farmers how to brew and taste their own coffee, helping them understand quality and market demands.
- Youth and Women: Providing skills training to empower marginalized groups and create income-generating opportunities.
- Coffee Enthusiasts: Offering basic barista training to anyone interested in learning about coffee preparation.
- Training Curriculum:
- The program covers a range of topics, including:
- Coffee Basics: Understanding coffee origins, processing, and flavor profiles.
- Brewing Techniques: Hands-on training in espresso preparation, milk steaming, and latte art.
- Sensory Skills: Learning how to taste and evaluate coffee.
- Customer Service: Developing skills for working in cafes or starting a coffee business.
- The program covers a range of topics, including:
- Community Engagement:
- The program fosters community involvement by hosting public coffee tastings, demonstrations, and awareness sessions.
- It also collaborates with local cooperatives, government agencies, and NGOs to reach a wider audience.
Goals of the Barista on the Move Program
The initiative aims to:
- Empower Coffee Farmers: By teaching farmers how to brew and taste their coffee, the program helps them understand quality and marketability, enabling them to command better prices.
- Create Job Opportunities: By training youth and women in barista skills, the program opens up opportunities for employment in cafes, hotels, and other hospitality businesses.
- Promote Coffee Culture: The program raises awareness about coffee as a beverage and encourages Kenyans to appreciate and consume their own coffee.
- Support Rural Development: By bringing training to rural areas, the program reduces the need for participants to travel to urban centers, making education more accessible.
Impact of the Program
Since its launch, the Barista on the Move program has had a significant impact on Kenya’s coffee industry:
- Skill Development: Hundreds of participants have gained barista skills, improving their employability and income potential.
- Farmer Empowerment: Farmers have a better understanding of coffee quality, enabling them to produce higher-value coffee.
- Youth Engagement: The program has inspired many young people to pursue careers in the coffee industry.
- Community Awareness: It has increased local appreciation for coffee, creating a potential market for domestic coffee consumption.
How to Participate or Support
If you’re interested in the Barista on the Move program, here’s how you can get involved:
- Attend Training: Check the Kenya Coffee School’s schedule to find out when the caravan will be in your area.
- Host the Caravan: Cooperatives, NGOs, or government agencies can collaborate with KCS to bring the program to their region.
- Sponsor the Program: Support the initiative by providing funding, equipment, or other resources to help it reach more people.
- Spread the Word: Share information about the program with coffee farmers, youth groups, and communities that could benefit.
Conclusion
The Barista on the Move County Program is a groundbreaking initiative by the Kenya Coffee School that brings barista training directly to rural communities. By equipping participants with valuable skills and knowledge, the program empowers individuals, supports rural development, and promotes Kenya’s coffee culture. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of mobile education to transform the coffee industry and create new opportunities for growth and sustainability.
