On Tuesday, February 21st, the team split into two groups. One group led by Sarah Komugisha, went back to Kawempe to monitor the net usage. This involves going door to door in areas where nets were previously delivered to determine net usage, incidence of malaria, etc. Another group, led by Debra Lefebrve, went back to the quarries to the WCCC to witness the bead making operation. I joined this later group and was delighted to observe and document the bead making process. Most of the women pictured below are single breadwinners for their families. In most cases their husbands have died from aids and they too are HIV positive. Buy-a-Net has recently formed a collaboration with this group and we now purchase beads and jewelry made from recycled paper directly from the group.
The process begins with the cutting of recycled paper. Many women purchase the paper already cut but Buy-a-Net has now funded the purchase of a paper cutter for the group and this will help to increase their profits. The announcement of this funding from Debra's group brought cheers from the ladies in attendance. The paper is rolled around a small cylinder and then each bead is covered in lacquer and hung to dry. Later, these beads are trimmed and made into beautiful necklaces, purses and other items.
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| Debra observes beads being made. |
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| Women of many ages work to make beads to support their families. |
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| I watched these beautiful yellow beads, reminiscent of the African sunshine, being made. |
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| Beads are lacquered and hung to dry. |
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| Trays of finished beads are then made into jewelry. |
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