Circle of Hands Uganda is a unique fair trade retailer selling beautiful jewelry handcrafted in Uganda, helping the women who make them gain financial independence, education, and respect.

Owner, Linda Schutter, began her journey by volunteering for a local non-profit called Educate! who’s mission is to “To educate and empower the next generation of socially responsible leaders in Africa.” [Educate! website] Through this program Linda was introduced to an Educate! alumni — Lillian Aero, who promptly used the education and leadership training she received though Educate! to build her own business — The Namugongo Good Samaritan Organization — teaching women to make beads & jewelry then marketing and selling their wares for them to larger markets & retailers like Linda and Circle of Hands.

Believe it or not — these colorful beads are made one-at-a-time from strips of scrap paper!

Each unique shape is achieved by gluing & rolling a different length/shape of paper onto a thin stick (which creates the hole when removed).  The beads are then dipped in lacquer and dried before stringing with small glass beads. The end result is beautiful jewelry that is not only fashionable but earns these women a generous wage.

I got a chance to chat with Linda over a cup of coffee and found the limitless bounds of her compassion. “I do this to support the women.  I am compelled by [their] stories and how they live their lives.  They are very overwhelmed just trying to get food on the table for their families.” Circle of Hands Uganda‘s mission is “to partner with and empower women affected by Africa’s HIV/AIDS crisis as they become entrepreneurs, positive role models and leaders in their communities.”

You can read more about their stories online at Circle of Hands Uganda’s website and buy a unique piece that provides a generous wage and education to women in need.

Check out the complete line of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and purses priced from $6 to $25 today — at Circle of Hands Uganda!

Images courtesy of Educate! and Circle of Hands Uganda.