About One bead at a time
One Bead at a Time: Empowering African Beaders and Their Communities
One Bead at a Time is a social programme that aims to empower African beaders and their communities by providing them with a platform to showcase and distribute their handcrafted beaded work globally. The programme was founded in 2008 by two women, Kristen Kenny and Tulianna Tomoko, who were inspired by the beauty of African beadwork during their travels in Africa.
The mission of One Bead at a Time is to create sustainable economic opportunities for African beaders, particularly women, who are often marginalized in their societies. By supporting these artisans, the programme hopes to promote cultural preservation and community development in Africa.
One of the unique aspects of One Bead at a Time is its focus on ethical sourcing. The programme works directly with individual beaders or small cooperatives rather than large factories or middlemen. This ensures that the artisans receive fair compensation for their work and that the quality of the products remains high.
The beadwork produced by One Bead at a Time's partners is truly stunning. Each piece is handmade using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The designs range from intricate necklaces and bracelets to colorful keychains and ornaments.
In addition to providing economic opportunities for African beaders, One Bead at a Time also supports various community development projects in Africa. For example, they have helped fund clean water initiatives in Kenya and education programs for girls in Tanzania.
If you're interested in supporting this amazing social enterprise, there are several ways you can get involved. You can shop online for beautiful handcrafted beadwork from Africa on OneBeadatatime.com or host an event where you can showcase these products while raising awareness about this important cause.
Overall, One Bead at a Time is an inspiring example of how business can be used as a force for good. By empowering African artisans through ethical sourcing practices and community development initiatives, this programme is making a real difference in the lives of people across Africa.