Betty is the creator of all of our awesome fabric cuff bracelets and is amazing at what she does. She is the official 31 Bits tailor and gladly takes on the sewing projects we give her.  After receiving training in the art of tailoring just one year ago, she has become quite good at this skill and is a great addition to our team of amazing women. She is hard working and has a contagious joy about her.

Betty received a sewing machine from a local organization but after it broke she no longer had a way to earn an income. Since working here however, we have been able to provide her with the money needed to fix her sewing machine, allowing her to make money both through tailoring for 31 Bits and through other tailoring ventures of her own.  Betty has high aspirations of making clothing and other products to sell at the market after acquiring some needed business skills.

Today was the beginning of Financial/Business training for the designers at the 31 Bits. Our Project Manager, Gladies, started a weekly training, which will take place every Monday. They will be learning and discussing issues of poverty, planning and development, savings and finance,  as well as identifying, starting, and managing small businesses. They are excited  to gain new knowledge and skills… and to be able to put it into practice. Many of them have dreams of opening small shops that sell second hand clothing, local produce, tailored items, bread and cakes, etc.

Their dreams are becoming a reality…

Polyn is hilarious. She is always laughing and joking around with the other ladies and staff. It is hard for me to pass by her without stopping to sit on her mat and join her in rolling beads as we engage in sweet conversation. One day we were sitting inside the house and through the window we heard someone singing, “All my single ladies, all my single ladies.” We found out it was not the radio, but Polyn singing one of the many American songs that she loves. She has so much personality and is a joy to get to know. She has high aspirations of becoming a counselor after completing her time at 31 Bits. Although she is worried there might not be any job openings after she finishes her schooling, she is still planning on receiving the necessary training to become a counselor and help others.

At age 19, Fibi is one of the youngest beneficiaries of 31 Bits, but you wouldn’t know it by her confidence and character.  She has a joyful spirit and is always quick to greet the other ladies. Seeing her now, it is hard to imagine the life she used to live.
After her mother died, Fibi was forced to drop out of school at an early age in order to earn enough money to take care of her sister’s two children. She cleaned hotels to put the children through school and did not have much money or time left for herself. During this time she also began raising her own child by herself after the father left. Her life was difficult and she felt very alone.
Since joining 31 Bits however, “everything is good,” she tells me. She is happy because she is earning enough money to support herself as well as three dependent children. She can now sustain her 10-month-old daughter and continues to pay the school fees of her 13-year-old niece and 10-year-old nephew as well as other expenses. 31 Bits has also enabled her to purchase the medication necessary for treating her HIV.
Fibi plans to undergo business training and eventually open her own produce business. She loves spending time with children and teaching them the ways of the Lord.

CONGRATULATIONS to our friends at Locale Magazine for an AWESOME launch party- and an AWESOME first issue!! We are so excited for you guys- Thank you for letting us be a part! Highlight of the night? Seeing models sport Bits in the fashion show

Uganda is a beautiful place… All you have to do is look at the landscape, experience the culture, and listen to the people to notice its beauty.

Once a month, the wonderful women at 31 Bits get together for a big group fellowship. All the beneficiaries and staff members attend and the fellowship consists of worship, Bible discussion, encouragement, and prayer.

It’s a beautiful thing to witness the signing and dancing that takes place on the 31 Bits compound.
Check out some of the beautiful sights and sounds of Uganda HERE