With the high price of gas, food and travel these days, us Angelinos are feeling the recession. But when it comes down to it, we know how to deal. Can you imagine though, living where food is scarce, there’s no running water, and 50% of the people around you are HIV positive? In Uganda people live under these conditions regularly. The economy in the US is the worst it has been in years, but giving gifts to people you love help brighten everybody’s day. Now, Project Have Hope gives you an opportunity to give a trendy, fashionable gift to someone special while also helping women and children in the impoverished nation of Uganda.
Project Have Hope is a non-profit organization seeking to empower women in the Acholi Quarter of Uganda. This life-giving foundation provides education for both women and their children, while also helping women to establish business opportunities to promote economic stability and sustainability.
This season, Project Have Hope is giving you the opportunity to support Ugandans by buying their gorgeous, handcrafted jewelry. Every piece offered is unique and made by individuals who have struggled their entire life with poverty and hardship. The jewelry is available in a wide variety of colors to brighten a casual outfit or accessorize evening or business attire. For the artists in LA, loose beads are available to craft your own jewelry – another perfect gift for family and friends during the holiday season or any gift giving opportunity.
Almost $200,000 has been raised through fundraising efforts since Project Have Hope’s inception in 2006. This funding comes from donations, recycling printer cartridges, and the sale of many necklaces and bracelets at New England craft shows and online.
By January 2008, Project Hope had reached significant milestones, including:
· Paying the fees for 73 children to attend school including buying all necessary school supplies, uniforms, mattresses, blankets, towels, etc.
· Distributing loans enabling 35 women to start or expand a business
· Enrolling 18 women in vocational training programs
· Started an adult literacy program
· Building a meeting place for the members
Karen Sparacio, founder of Project Have Hope, explains that when she visits the Acholi Quarter of Uganda, she realizes how much more could be done to help. “So many people plead for my assistance – assistance that I’m unable to give them. I’m only one person. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far, but there is so much more that can be done.”
This season, a gift from Project Have Hope will be cherished by those who receive it. The creative minds in our life can also make and give a beautiful gift to their loved ones using loose beads from Uganda – all while helping the women and children of this poverty stricken country.
For a full selection of pieces available, please visit Project Have Hope’s website. Here, you can also find out about sponsoring a Ugandan child for a nominal $150 fee – sending them to day school for a year. A gift of $450 annually sends a child to school for with full room and board. In addition, find out about hosting your own bead parties to share hand crafted jewelry with friends, family and the community.
Please visit www.projecthavehope.org or call (339) 206 – 4626.
