The story of coffee in Rwanda is remarkable. In the wake of a genocide that decimated Africa’s most densely populated country and left nearly a million people dead, Rwanda’s rebuilding effort included a heavy investment in coffee production. Today, coffee is Rwanda’s primary export. And in a nation still healing from tragedy, many inspiring stories have emerged.

Ejo Heza, which means “a beautiful tomorrow” is a prime example of the resilience of Rwanda. Ejo Heza began in 2010 with a vision of bringing a community together. It is an all-women’s cooperative located in the Rutsiro District of Western Rwanda, near Lake Kivu. Here, some 400 women work together to produce Bourbon-derived varieties. Their efforts have resulted in a stunning coffee that sings with peach nectar, lilac and milk chocolate sweetness.

I share this story because it’s inspiring, and serves as a reminder that, when we drink coffee, we are connected to the remarkable lives of people around the world.

Photo via our friends and roasters at Madcap Coffee Co.