Ugandan Artisans:
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Rwotomiyo Women's Group

RwotOmiyo means "God Provides." But this group of women from Gulu, Uganda seem to also believe that God helps those who help themselves. They were trained to make paper beads several years ago, but the buyer never came through, and there was no market for their work. They began some agricultural and basket-making projects, but in 2014 when Omiyo needed some new beaders, God provided us with them! They are a positive and hard-working group of women: Jacky (in red, with a big smile) is the leader, and the group meets at her house. 

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The making of a paper Bead

Paper beads are made by first cutting a long, triangular strip of paper and starting with the wider end, rolling it around a bike spoke. The beads are then coated with polyurethane to make them shiny and waterproof. The print of the paper shows in the stripes on each bead. Watch as Susan demonstrates how she rolls a paper bead:

Effie & Co

Uganda is the world's youngest country, with 78% of the population under the age of 30. Unemployment is a major problem for youth in northern Uganda. When I met Effie and her housemates, they were bored and had very little income. But looking for a job seemed like a hopeless proposition, with so much competition for very few jobs. Next time I came to Uganda, I brought jewelry-making equipment and tools, and they took to it immediately! This is a new group, combining traditional paper beads with brass shapes, to make a new style of paper bead jewelry. Your purchases will help it grow! Effie is also one of our models, and now my daughter-in-law:

Aeronyero United

A few years later, strolling through the new market, I happened upon a seamstress named Grace, who was making tiny stuffed animals, dolls, and beautiful bags for the tourist market. Unfortunately, there are not many tourists in Gulu these days! Grace and I began to talk, and I learned she has four children, as I do. She also struggles to keep her creative business going. I took a few items home to sell, and found they were very popular at Christmas markets. I look forward to working more with Grace in the future.

African batik is beautiful, and it is everywhere in Uganda. A couple of years ago, wanting to have a few things made for herself, I went for a stroll in the Gulu market. I was fortunate to meet Sarah and Florence tucked away in a corner of the market. They made me some skirts, but I also picked up some of their beautiful handbags, which have become best-sellers at craft fairs and festivals. I'm glad to support this existing business in the heart of the Gulu market, since they provide much-needed employment to women in Uganda.