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Holistic Products
Acholi Beads
After 23 years of civil war in Uganda, East Africa, hope remains alive.
When the Acholi people escaped the crossfire to the capital of Uganda, they faced colonial discrimination and could only find refuge in a hillside slum. The only way to support their families was through hard labor in a stone quarry making less than $1 a day.
That was before Acholi Beads offered them a new way of life.
Made from recycled magazines, calendars and posters, Acholi Beads are handcrafted by the women of Uganda. These beautiful beads are pulling the Acholi women out of poverty through fair trade practices. During their first year of partnership with Acholi Beads, the women earned as much money as they would have if they’d worked every day for 10 years in the quarry. Now they can provide food and education to their families.
What’s more, the jewelry is exquisitely crafted. Each unique bead has vibrant swirls of color and different shapes that come together to create a striking work of art. Since they’re so colorful, they blend with anything you wear. Each time I go out with my long strand of beads, I receive so many compliments and my favorite part is telling telling the story of how these beads came to be.
Acholi Beads is about reinventing business to support the women of Uganda while taking powerful strides to reduce waste and protect the environment. What more could you ask for in a holiday gift?
For more information on Acholi Beads, visit acholibeads.com or call 619.293.3900. – EP
Colorful Evening Clutch
Why not promote social justice while making a fashion statement? Global Goods Partners creates the opportunity for us to create change as conscious consumers. This non-profit organization dedicates its energy to alleviating poverty, supporting sustainable communities, and maintaining fair trade practices in developing countries.
The Colorful Evening Clutch is one of the organization’s many handcrafted artisan products offered worldwide. Created by members of the Afghan Institute of Learning, this clutch represents the centuries-old tradition of embroidery in Afghanistan. Not only can you celebrate this colorful and elaborate craft, but your purchase makes a difference in the lives of the artists and the communities that they live in. It paves the way for economic independence for Afghan women and families, as well as supporting health and education services for over 350,000 Afghan women and girls.
Because of scarce resources, each clutch is unique with exquisite embroidery of vibrant patterns and sparkling beads. Packed with a main compartment, a zippered pocket, and a Velcro closure, this little bag will have you ready for the town. It also comes with an attached wrist strap for a comfortable fit and hold. Global Goods Partners provides access to exquisite crafts from all over the world. Be a conscious consumer; exercise your purchase power to support and empower extraordinary artists who strive to keep their crafts—and their communities—alive.
To purchase the Colorful Evening Clutch, 8” x 4”, $44, and other handcrafted products or to engage in change with Global Goods Partners, visit globalgoodspartners.org or call 212.461.3647. – DG