When we started making beads and sales it has turned into a job, from which I can earn a living.

If the chance that this can be pushed ahead, I hope to begin a side income generating small business, from which I can have a daily supportive income.

I thank you for the work you do for me
This work on necklaces has helped me a lot.
I can pay school fees for my children.
I can buy at home food.
It also keeps me busy at home instead of sitting idle.

Thank you,
May God bless you all.

Thanks,
Naigino, Racheal

This is his story:

I was  born and grew up in northern Uganda. Because of the then rebel disturbances I took refuge at my cousins in Kampala. During my stay with him I learned about cow horn crafts industry. Actually my cousin was the sole pioneer in the business in East Africa. Since he was working with the Ministry of Tourism, they used to preserve dead wild animal tusks or  ivory. They could make soverniers etc. I believe because of the international banning of trade in ivory and tusks he decided to try cowhorn and it worked. I watched as they experimented until the success in the production of bangles. They could hand file and finish just one bangle in a day. During my holidays I learned how to go about making crafts out of cowhorn. I picked up interest and would win prize after prize since I was creative. Though I was bright in school, I could not finish my studies because the responsibilities became too big for my cousin to bear. Hence I only finished Ordinary Level.  Afterwhich I joined and worked with him until he lost the business because of a loan defaulment in payment. Since then I have worked and help create many business in cow horn until I decided to create my own as HORNCRAFTS. Barely a year had passed when I came in touch with HOPE INSTITUTE of UGANDA. After I met HIU, my life changed because I saw hope, since before it was as if, even if I was to work to my last atom I would not be able make it in life. I had a good exposure in 2008 when I won a trophy for being the best in crafts section at Uganda International Trade Fair, I moved in a better house, I even acquired some machines from HIU to help my business grow and most of all, now I know I have the potential, though there could be some hiccups here and there.  All this because of HIU. I believe this is just the beginning.

Mary is an orphan, whose parents died when she was at the age of eight. She was raised by her cousin’s sister who educated her to Diploma level.

“In 2008 l had the good news about Jinja Jewely, the making of beads which l embraced with great vigor. l have been able to complete my degree in Education Art and Design with Kyambogo University and partly cater for my welfare and that of my children.(2 sons) l greatly appreciate the work of Jinja Jewelry in all their endeavors to move and improve lives.  Great regards go out to all volunteers.”