Discover Stories of Hope in Uganda! In Uganda, many families have been displaced from their anscentoral homes by war, extreme poverty, lack of education, lack of job opportunities, and discrimination. As a result, many families face homelessness and starvation. But women in Uganda are leading their families out of poverty through creating traditional art and jewelry, using Artisans skills passed down for generations. (Read Time: 5 min.)
Empower Refugees and Families to Rise Out of Slums
Upcycled Hand-Rolled Paper Beads – Empowering Women Out of Slums
As a war refugee, Florence wanted to provide more for her family and her community. She’s inspired so many women in the slums of Uganda by giving them the tools to make an income and have hope for their future. They’re now able to afford better living conditions, medical expenses, and send their children to school. Florence shared with us that many of these women are understanding their worth for the first time in their lives, as they experience the joy of dignified work!
MEET THE AMAZING WOMEN OF MS. FLORENCE’S WORKSHOP!
Florence’s Story of Hope in Uganda
I was dependent on my brothers for house rent, school fees for my son and medical bills.
But that changed when I started working with Trades of Hope.
I’m now self-reliant.
I’ve acquired assets like land and even constructed a house in the village.
I have access to better medical care, and I pay my own medical bills!
I’m also able to support other vulnerable relatives and people from the community.
I’m stress free and not worried about the future anymore!” – Florence, Artisan in Uganda
CLICK ON THE VIDEO BELOW TO DISCOVER THE REASON SHE MAKES YOUR JEWELRY!
Caroline’s Story of Hope in Uganda
During Lockdown, we were at home and idle, so my friend who was already working with this Artisan community connected to mama Florence who trained me.
I thank God that we received orders from Trade of Hope during the pandemic because we were running out of foodstuff and my daddy had lost his job.
My favorite memory as an Artisan is the day I joined this Artisan community – I met very friendly people who helped me to learn quickly – and also the day I received my first payment from designing!
I’ve learned new skills and I’ve been able to raise money to buy school requirements and have pocket money.
Without my work, I would depend on my parents for all my necessities and miss school sometimes due to failures to clear school fees in time.
Now, I’m able to make paper bracelets and support my parents by buying some of the school requirements by myself.”
– Caroline, Artisan in Uganda
“My dream is to complete my studies and become financially independent.”
– Caroline, Artisan in Uganda
Lwongoya’s Story of Hope in Uganda
I was uncertain about my future, and I was unable to buy things like sanitary pads.
But today, I’m able to buy things I need.
I’ve even joined a tailoring school because I can afford to buy the requirements and pay fees.
I’ve also bought some equipment, and I’m saving money to start my own business.
I was unable to do these things before this work.
The pandemic brought a lot of uncertainty, so I was happy when we received an order!
Trades of Hope and this Artisan community, they train us, then give us work with fair pay and a flexible work schedule. We even work at our homes sometimes!
My favorite memory as an Artisan is when I successfully designed my first products on my own – from the beginning to finish!
Without my work, I would fail to set up my own business and do other things like training in tailoring and building a house, among others.”
– Lwongoya, Artisan in Uganda
“I want to have my own fashion and design business and also go for adult education up to university level.”
– Lwongoya’s Story of Hope
Traditional Handwoven Baskets – Empowering Conservation Refugees to Overcome Discrimination & Poverty
The Batwa people of Uganda became conservation refugees when they were forced from their ancient rainforest homeland. Despised by their countrymen and denied basic human rights, mothers weave these traditional baskets, working to save their children from starvation and keep their families together.
Nyirabaza’s Story of Hope in Uganda
Scared and still grieving the deaths of her husband and one of her ten children, she began selling her handcrafted baskets.
But even with her artisan skills and experience, such complex and intricate workmanship requires two weeks to craft a single basket.
Her skills as an artisan have sustained her family through many seasons of heartbreak and celebration.
Her four oldest children are now married and supporting themselves.
Her five younger children can finally attend school like other Ugandan children.
Nyiransabimaana’s Story of Hope in Uganda
I remember when famine hit Uganda really hard.
It was evening, and we had nothing to eat.
Selling my basket was like God coming down.
I got enough money to buy food for a month.
Your purchases support moms like me.
I’ve managed to buy clothes, bedding, sheep, and a piece of land where we grow food for our children.”
– Nyiransabimaana, Artisan in Uganda
Kyorimpa’s Story of Hope in Uganda
I’ve been able to earn enough money to buy a small piece of land and three goats!
I’ve been able to take care of my children and even to buy iron sheets to roof my house!
I want to work hard so I can buy ten more goats!
I now have a testimony in my community, because all the people knew how I was – and the life I was living before – and how it has changed!
– Kyorimpa, Artisan in Uganda
Want to see how our Batwa Baskets are made?
CLICK ON THE VIDEOS BELOW TO WATCH THESE AMAZING ARTISANS!
Click on the photos below to explore jewelry and basket designs made by these Artisans in Uganda!
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