About the Beads

The Bead and Jewelry Business

The women in the Acholi Quarter were introduced to paper bead jewelry
by an Irish missionary who originally learned the technique from women
in Kenya. The Acholi women have since fine-tuned their techniques and
used their creativity to create new designs of their own. Project Have
Hope started buying beads from its members in January 2006. Through
this partnership, sales have increased significantly. In 2009, each of
PHH’s 100 members will earn about $50 per month. The women receive
monthly payments from PHH for the beads so that they can depend on the
steady income.

Beads have always been a part of the Acholi culture.  Originally made
from seeds and bones, they were used as adornment around the waist and
worn as traditional necklaces and bracelets. Back in Acholiland in the
North, beads were a commodity which could be traded. These new paper
beads are also a commodity. In addition to being sold, they are often
traded for food, charcoal, or other daily necessities.

About the Beads

The women use a variety of paper to make the beads. They purchase
“reject” paper from a local printing press in Kampala and also use
scrap paper from outdated calendars or political ads, for example.
Despite appearances, the beads are not dyed or painted. Paper is
rolled into beads, and the color of each bead simply comes from the
paper used to make it. Once the paper is rolled into a bead, it is
dipped in a clear varnish to give it sheen, hardness, and durability.
It takes about a day to make a necklace.

Beads come in a variety of shapes and colors. In PHH’s bead store,
you’ll find loose beads, bracelets, and short and long necklaces. It
is not recommended to swim or bathe while wearing the jewelry, but the
beads are plenty durable for normal, daily wear.