African Girl: Hope Art

I started to work with Hope Art in July 2011. I began selling at my school's schoolyard market, not knowing that it would be such a success. Selling Hope Art is such a joy in my life, as its something so easy and rewarding. I mean, selling necklaces and bracelets changes peoples lives. Its simple as that. I really love this project, and since moving to Zambia for 3 months, I have got to meet the Hope Art Ladies and have got to know some of them personally. And that even makes the project more special to me. This is one project that I will always support and be apart of!

This is a little background on Hope Art:
A group of impoverished, unemployed and mainly HIV positive Zambian widows are facing the orphan challenge and producing hand crafted jewelry with paper beads. People that care buy and sell this unique hand crafted jewelry and all net profits from ‘Hope Art’ are invested in the Zambia Project that provides shelter, food, education and healthcare to children and women in need. Your purchase will make a difference in the lives of many impoverished children and women.

Each bead is carefully rolled with meticulous diligence to create beautiful unique artwork. The process of rolling, dipping in varnish and drying requires patience and teamwork. The lives of these women have changed dramatically through a sense of self-worth and purpose. Many orphans are now being care for and their extended families uplifted, thereby benefiting the community as a whole.

Hope Art Ladies

The lives of these impoverished ladies are etched with hardship and tragedy. They display diligent determination to make a difference to improve the lives of vulnerable children and women in Western Zambia. Many of them are the sole bread winners in their families and are developing a sense of self worth and purpose through the project.

Stories of some of the Ladies:

My name is IRENE KAWELE and I was born in 1958. In 2005 when my husband passed away I discovered I was HIV positive. Prior to my involvement with Hope Art I had no income and I struggled daily to support the 8 orphans left in my care by family members. It was very difficult for me when they cried for food and I wasn’t able to provide. I am so grateful that now with the money I earn through Hope Art, I am able to care for and educate these children and look after my own health. Thank you for your support. (Irene recently got married to a lovely man, Richard, and she will continue to part of Hope Art.)

My name is BIBIAN KAWELE a HIV positive widow born in 1977. As a single mother, survival has been difficult caring for my own 3 children and an orphan. I was orphaned myself as a young child and raised by my Aunt who did not have the means to send me to school. Due to Hope Art, I am so happy that my children can now attend school, are not hungry anymore and have a hope for the future! Thank you for making a difference in our lives – I am also hoping to complete my schooling.

I am CHILOMBO CHINGA, was born in 1959 and am a widow. I only discovered my HIV positive status when my twin babies died of HIV. I grew up in an extremely poor family and was unable to attend school. It is a real privilege to now be able to send my surviving children to school with the income I earn through Hope Art, not to mention the joy of providing food for them. Thank you for caring.

I have been given the opportunity to model Hope Art, and these are some of their products: