BOA and our Partners

Our collaboration projects

As BOA grows and becomes more financial stable we will start to work with youth and women's groups in Gulu Uganda to support their development projects and future aspirations. This project is still in the beginning phases as BOA plans how to most successfully support these projects, and ensure that revolving and micro loans and other assistance is equitable organized and distributed to empower and support our partners in Uganda. We are greatly appreciative of the support we receive from our volunteers in Gulu, and are currently planning how we to introduce paid work positions in Uganda to represent our organization year round in Uganda, and to ensure that transparency, accountability and respect are present in all our activites.

KYDA/TUA

Koro Youth Development Assoication (KYDA) is a youth group that has operated in the Koro region just outside Gulu Town since 2007. As this region has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the Gulu district, and was extremely affected by the insurgency and civil war, the needs in this region are high.

In 2011 KYDA changed names and became a registered NGO in Uganda, under the name Tetugu Uganda Association (TUA). The members are mostly women struggling to improve their lives and those of their children, and youth (male and female) who are unable to complete their schooling because of economic limitations.

Beyond a partnership to distribute beads, BOA and TUA are also working together to design fundraising campaigns and develop effective and implementable project proposals. BOA and TUA administration are currently working with the women and youth about what projects can best address their needs and allow them to create the solutions to the many day to day challenges.

Lacan Kwite (LKT)

The women of Lacan Kwite were first taught how to roll paper beads while living in the camps. The determination of these women has seen them work with many organizations large and small on bead and other income generating activities. 

 In 2012 Beads of Awareness Gulu project manager Omony Philip met the group and recognized their organization, unity and collective strength, as well as the many challenges within the daily lives of each woman. With many responsibilities and children at home, long work days and other dependents old and young to care for, the women meet weekly to make beads together leisurely, and also operate their own savings and loan circle. Each member's weekly contribution is recorded for which they gain interest as small, short term loans are awarded, and the women also contribute to a fund dedicated to supporting members in case of illness or death in the family.

Can Deg Nyeko (CDN)

Operating in the Kanyagoga region of Gulu municipality this women's group is composed of young mothers and elderly widows caring for grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other young dependants orphaned by HIV/AIDS, the insurgency, or poor health conditions within IDP camps.

From its start with five women, it has grown to over 30, and the women support each others small business and other livelihood activities through a group savings and loan circle.

Can Deg Nyeko also works with youth closely connected to the women in CDN. Simon Rubangakene operates a small store in Gulu Town, and sells bead making supplies such as paper, varnish and small glass beads, as well as selling the finished beads to support himself and other youth, and give the women a dependable sales point in Gulu. Beads of Awareness relies on Simon, Alfred and others to assist in minimizing the costs to make the beads, and also with skills training and fashion guidance.

Katunga School Construction Project- roofing

In 2011 we expanded our base of operations to Kabale District in southwestern Uganda. Working with a small mountain village we donated the iron sheets for roofing ( the largest cost that the community could not mobilise or construct themselves). The new 2 room school house opened its doors in 2012. Over 200 children attend. Beads of Awareness is extremely grateful to the support of Kleos MFG, private donors and its own members who generously contributed to the project.

Kleos MFG

Kleos Microfinance group, a Calgary based organization collaborates with BOA on microfinance projects in Gulu. Providing start up capital and follow up support BOA and Kleos are working to support entrepreneurs and groups with livelihood projects and business diversification.

Click here to vist Kleos MFG's website

Our Story

Beads of Awareness was started by two young entrepreneurs with a big dream. The idea for BOA came about in the summer of 2009, when Thomas was doing volunteer work in Gulu, Uganda, and was deeply moved by the culture and people. He returned to Canada and proposed the idea to his partner Laura, and things began to develop. With much positive support from family and friends and loads of excitement around the idea, the business started to bloom. In 2011 Thomas returned to Uganda to work closely with different youth and women's groups in Gulu Uganda with new BOA members Chris and Sidara. Other Montrealers, students and professionals have gotten involved, and what started with two individuals is growing to a large and vibrant community. We are fast moving in the direction of becoming a Co-operative in 2012.

Our Purpose

The motivation behind BOA is being able to raise money for grassroots development projects in Uganda as well as to support and promote Ugandan artisans by creating jobs and selling their products. Also, we hope to raise awareness about the people in Uganda and their struggles recovering from the devastation of a civil war, hence where our name Beads of Awareness came from.

Our Values

Equity

We are extremely concerned with the well-being of the artisans who are making our jewellery. We try to pay a fair wage for our products, allowing the artisans, most of whom are women, to feed their family, send their children to school and promote growth in their communities.

Sustainability

BOA puts a strong emphasis on minimizing its environmental impact through its products, promotional tools and packaging. The beads themselves are made out of reused paper making them eco-friendly, and are coated with a varnish making them water-resistant. Promotional materials are printed on 100% recycled paper and gift boxes are made out of recycled paper as well.

Cooperation

We put a strong emphasis on working with the people of Uganda, especially when it comes to the development projects we support. We believe that Ugandans have amazing potential and millions of dreams, but are often unable to achieve them without access to the necessary resources. We hope to support microcredit initiatives, offering small loans to entrepreneurs to allow them to start their own businesses, in order to promote empowerment and independence.

Quality

Our customers are also very important to us and we are dedicated to providing them with original, quality jewellery. Each piece we sell is unique, reflecting the uniqueness of every individual. Also, we have tested our products for durability, strength and resistance and we are confident that they will last.

BOA is building partnerships with a number of different international organizations and community-based organizations in Northern Uganda to support education, microfinance and other development initiatives.

The Founders