Beads for Education
Beads for Education (BfE) is an income generating program for KHC clients who are in need of an income so that they can provide for their family. Having money to pay for their children’s school fees is very important our clients as they want to give their children the opportunity to have a brighter future.
By providing access to peer to peer training KHC empowers its bead making clients to lift themselves from poverty resulting in true and sustained change. KHC in turn purchases the handmade beads at fair-trade prices directly from the beaders and sells them locally and internationally through its ambassador networks in Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Sweden.
The BFE program started in 2007 with 3 clients making the beads and we now have 14 clients who are able to earn a living
from this activity. Our aim is to generate enough demand for the
beads so that we can employ 30 beaders by the end of 2011.
Currently 70 children are receiving an education as a direct outcome of this program.
Take a moment and find out more about us and view our video
How are the beads made?
Our bead makers collect colourful recycled paper usually in the form of old calendars, cereal boxes, pamphlets or magazines, which are then skilfully cut into a series of small triangular shapes.
These shapes are tightly rolled and glued to form a unique bead shape and colour before being strung and coated with a minimum of four coats of quality varnish. The result is a unique piece of jewellery.
Meet one of our bead makers - Maria
Maria is a single mother of six children. Her husband walked out on her shortly after
she discovered she was HIV positive. It was a constant struggle to provide even
the necessities such as food and shelter for her children never mind pay for schooling.
Her life changed for the better after being taught to make beads by a friend however,
she quickly faced the problem of insufficient local demand. Thanks to a KHC community
volunteer who identified Maria’s artistry and she was put in touch with other
bead makers and benefits from peer to peer training; provided with essential bead
making equipment; and importantly receives fair-trade payments from KHC for her
beads. Maria has now been able to rent a bigger house and all her children receive
schooling.
Wear them. Empower them.
'I have a weakness for jewellery and the pieces I bought are great as they go with everything. Also it is a nice feeling knowing the money is going to provide children with the opportunity to go to school.' - Robyn
'Every time I wear the jewellery I get compliments! They are very well made and one of my necklaces even survived me wearing it in the shower.’ - Laurel
‘It is hard to believe it is made from recycled paper, the beads are great gifts especially as you can buy matching earrings, necklace and bracelet.’ - Margaret
We are extremely grateful to our international volunteers who have helped in developing the program and marketing the beads. One of the initiatives that was developed to promote the beads internationally is Beads for Education facebook page. Follow the link and join our forum.
You can view the wide range of jewellery that is available in our latest catalogue. We have also a list of some of the locations where you can buy the beads.
If you would like to find out more about how you can become involved in this program or you would like to purchase our jewellery email us at: beadsforeducation@gmail.com
Education is one of the keys in battling HIV/AIDS. It is known that a poorly educated child is at high risk of getting HIV/AIDS and has little chance of getting out of the poverty he or she grew up in. If you would like to sponsor a child’s education find out more.
