Good morning friends. I realize it has been a while since I last shared my journey encounters with you. And today seems to be the right day. We are now in Ghana and my daughters took great interest in taking a day to explore the slave castles here and understand slavery. To me, this time when this inhumane form of trade was generally accepted conduct has resulted in the confusion of post-colonial African culture, economic disparity, and dignity of people of African origin.

I will admit whole heartedly that I did not have the stomach to walk the castles as bravely as my daughters. Instead, I sat down next to the local fishermen to write this note to share my feelings with you. I asked myself if we are not repeating the normalization of this practice today as I looked at the young woman with a child on her back in front of me washing dishes to serve the fishermen, and as I spoke on the phone with an Alaffia team member whose husband, a teacher, is not being fairly compensated. I again questioned myself that while one cannot equate the suffering of the slave trade with the suffering I currently see, I cannot also engage in unfairness of trade of the goods, services, dignity - dignity of ourselves.

While this may seem "gloom and doom" as they say, it is with the belief that we must look at history, not only to enjoy the upcoming holidays with our families or alone, but also to wonder in a meaningful way if we as people are choosing a better future for the generations on the horizon? And should we be responsible? From Ghana, the town of Elmina, I wish you happy holidays.

Sincerely,

Olowo-n'djo

A Recap of 2017 | Giving Thanks

Dear Friends of Alaffia, It is my wish that my letter finds you and your family in good health.   The primary reasons for my writing this evening are to express to you, and on  behalf of us all at Alaffia, our gratitude for the hand you continue to lend us such  that our mission may continue its journey, and to wish you and yours a most  joyful holiday season.  I believe that we are all held together by the humility   and love embedded in each of us to create heaven on earth for all people  and our surroundings. You have continued to support Alaffia in ways you know  best, and together we are reducing the pain of the innocent.  Simply put: I can only say thank you.  Going forward, I would like to ensure you  that Alaffia’s journey of servitude will continue and your contribution is everlasting.   Because of your support, since our beginning we have collectively achieved the impact  below through our empowerment projects. Alaffia Shea Butter Cooperative, Sokodé. August 2017. Alaffia Shea Butter Cooperative, Sokodé. August 2017. Maternal Care:
4,832 Maternal Healthcare Recipients School Construction:     12 Schools Built 2,311 School Benches Built         36 Restrooms Built for Students School Supplies Distribution:     34,640 School Supply Recipients              Reforestation: 59,775 Trees Planted Bicycle & Eyeglasses Distribution: 8,253 Bikes Distributed  25,588 Eyeglasses distributed
Clip: Opening Ceremony of Nadagou School, Togo
Still, numbers cannot capture the full magnitude of the impact; you must imagine  the many lives behind these numbers.  For example, a month ago, we finished  the construction of a school in Nadagou, Togo as you will see on this video.  Because you have helped build them a school, students in Nadagou will not  unnecessarily lose their lives trying to cross the river to go the neighboring school. Before the new school was built and during raining seasons, students have  drowned crossing the river just to get to school.  It is inconceivable to me that in this  same world, where a school bus picks up my children every morning and  brings them home every afternoon, a child across the world can drown simply  trying to get to school.  When this was brought to my knowledge, I could not stand by without taking action. To me, nothing is worth more than a human life. It is one of  the reasons why I fundamentally believe simply claiming fair trade is not enough  for our motherland, we must go beyond label claims to achieve human dignity.  In other words, we all must work to offer a noble existence for all people.
In addition to the new school, the children of Nadagou received  bicycles from Alaffia to use for daily transportation. In addition to the new school, the children of Nadagou received  bicycles from Alaffia to use for daily transportation.
Because you are part of the Alaffia family, I would like to share with you  our outlook for 2018: We will continue Alaffia’s mission both here in our great State of Washington,  as well as our communities in West Africa. In the following images you see that we   are supporting a local social enterprise in Eastern Ghana to construct a traditional  soap making facility. Not only will this provide additional economic opportunities,  but it will expand our gender equality initiatives in Ghana next year.  Also in Ghana, we will add another 1,000 women to the 5,000 strong basket weavers  currently under contract with Alaffia. Last month, I was in Bolgatanga, visiting  Alaffia’s weavers, and the women told me they want nothing more than the opportunity  to weave baskets to support their families.
In November, I met with Alaffia basket weavers near Bolgatanga, Ghana to hear their experiences and collaborate.
Building facility for traditional soap making in Kede, in the eastern region of Ghana.
To continue our moral obligation of empowering the voiceless, both economically and  socially, we must continue to expand Alaffia’s current market base and diversify our  retailers and product innovation offerings. Therefore, next year, we plan to introduce a series of new products into new markets. Every space on every shelf is an  opportunity to empower humanity and create economic justice. Every time a shelf is  stocked at night, when many of us are sleeping, it is a chance for a baby to be safely  born. We all contribute in our own ways.
On another note, many of you know that Togo is going through some political uncertainties. Although some may say we should retreat, we believe this is exactly the time to  economically support the poor -- to continue to create jobs -- by growing Alaffia in  the USA. Please rest assured that due to our expanded sourcing in Togo, Burkina Faso  and Ghana, we have access to the materials we need to make our skincare products. If anything, this gives us an opportunity to empower more communities, and gain access to new and exciting ingredients. We do however pray that peace rains upon Togo soon. We are updating our packaging throughout 2018. Our refreshed packaging will focus on three main elements:
Preview of Alaffia branding alignment in 2018
1) Brand unification 2) Coherent communication 3) A re-emphasis on our moral obligation to continue to be the most ethical supplier of traditional, handcrafted shea butter in our market. Rose, our daughters and I are heading to Togo and Ghana in a couple days, both for work  and to get some family time. I hope that during these holidays you, too, get some time  with your family. Finally, I hope you have recognized the crucial role you play in the Alaffia mission, and I can only thank you with all my being.   Here’s to a joyful and healthy 2018. Peacefully yours, Olowo-n’djo