I am now turning my attention to a group of Ugandan's living on land called "The Acholi Quarters."  Our visit to this slum had a huge effect on me and several other women on the trip.  On the last day, we decided to sit down with Faustino, a leader in the Acholi Quarters, to discuss their needs as a people.  We're developing several small programs to support the Acholi people from additional funds to the women's income generating group, an education scholarship fund, and clean water filtration system upgrades.  The first program that I mentioned is the one we can start working on now.  

The Acholi women make beautiful and unique recycled paper bead necklaces for profit to support their families.  In this particular area of Uganda, the women are the sole breadwinners. They either make necklaces or do hard labor working at the large quarry at the top of their hill.  There are fees to rent a small room on the quarters and send the children to school, aside from the incredible amount of food, medicine, and  other necessities a family requires.

I have an idea for an event that has the potential to empower the Acholi community by empowering our own communities: Recycled Paper Bead Parties.  I brought back a HUGE bag full of necklaces to sell on behalf of the Acholi women that made them.  I have a much better chance of selling them than they do, and it's one of the great projects I'd like to take on to continue our work in Uganda. Bead parties will be an opportunity for friends, organizations, or charities to come together for a good cause!  This is how an event would look:

Take time in the beginning to talk about our trip to Uganda and highlight the experience at the Acholi Quarters.  Short history of the Acholi Quarters and how it came to be what it is today. 

Show pictures of the Quarters and have all pictures from the trip on a slide show throughout the event.

Necklaces laid out for buying - 1 for $20 or 3 for $45.

Stations set up to teach people how to roll the recycled paper beads.

Optional addition of African food and music to make the event more festive.

Short group circle for a gratitude meditation to close.

Our aim is not only to raise money and awareness about the Acholi slums, but to enjoy our community and provide forums for positive socialization.  I'd like less "stuff to do" at the event and more opportunity for talking and getting to know one another.

Let me know if you'd like to host a bead party at your home or gathering location!  We can work it out no matter where you live!!!! 

You can also do your part and bypass the party by buying a batch of 25 necklaces or more at wholesale and re-selling them for profit!  This way you can also raise money for your own cause or organization.