Now that the ladies have left for their holiday break, we began some much needed construction at the compound. Dry season is starting so we are building a new shade structure for the ladies to work under. We are also stuccoing and painting the compound walls, and installing a new water tank.
Our ladies have been looking forward to this year’s Christmas party for months…
They have been planning dances, skits, and songs, and really came out of their shells when it came time to perform. Kallie, Julie, and I even wrote and performed a song for them called “Christmas in Gulu.”
It turned out to be one of the most outrageous Christmas parties we have ever attended. Our cheeks are still sore from the constant laughing yesterday. These ladies really know how to have a good time.
-Nick
Find out how Janet and her three children will celebrate Christmas this year!
Share Janet’s story, help spread Holiday Cheer by giving someone the necklace she made!
Check out the “Truffle” necklace HERE
Here’s a glimpse of some companies we love, trust and admire that are doing good this Holiday season. Join 31 Bits in giving gifts that give back!
1. We love Warby Parker eyewear. Their style, their quality, their affordability, and most importantly their story. For every pair of glasses that is purchased, Warby Parker gives a pair of glasses to a person in need.
Have 20/20 vision? Warby Parker has some killer shades too!
2. We’ve been big fans of Sseko sandals (and the people behind it) for awhile now. Sseko is based in Kampala, Uganda, where they employ young women who are working towards their goal of attending the local University. Fashion and empowerment. You bet we love it.
Sseko just released a new collection of handmade clutches… we’re obsessed.
3. This past September we had the privilege of visiting International Princess Project in India, and we are beyond impressed by this organization. IPP gives women that have been enslaved by prostitution hope for a better life, by training and employing them to make “Punjammies”- the cutest, coziest, and most vibrant pajama pants!
And with the code “sharehope” you can get free shipping for the entire month of December!
4. The Not For Sale Campaign is an organization creating new futures for survivors of human trafficking and communities at risk of modern day slavery. From custom-made bags, to All Saints Apparel, to a special line of 31 Bits jewelry, their online store is sure to have something for everybody on your list!
5. Who doesn’t love soft, comfortable, and quality clothing? Check out Ever/After Clothing. They have clothes for all ages (even infants!) and the best part is, it’s all 100% cotton! Did we mention Ever/After donates 25% of their profit to charity?
Ever/After is a win/win if you ask us!
6. Last but not least, Della sells fun and creative handbags, purses, laptop cases, wallets, and more. Handmade by women in Ghana, the fabrics and materials used are bright, colorful, and completely unique! We’re currently digging their laptop cases. So cute!
“When Doreen came to our doorstep six months ago, it was clear we needed to find a place for her at 31 Bits. This sweet young woman was pregnant, HIV positive, and lived in a small hut without a single possession inside. Doreen was recently forced to drop out of school, after becoming pregnant. In Uganda, you are not allowed to attend school if you’re pregnant. Doreen’s mother and father have both passed away, and she lives with her grandmother and ten of her relatives; however, her family has no source of income.
In the last six months, Doreen’s life has completely changed.
Doreen is now an expert at making jewelry, and is able to use her income at 31 Bits to buy food for all 10 of the relatives she lives with! Her baby girl, Mercy, was born a few months ago. Doreen is able to buy her milk, since she is unable to breastfeed due to being HIV positive.
Doreen receives treatment through TASO, the HIV/AIDS service organization we partner with in Uganda. She’s currently waiting to find out if Mercy is also HIV positive. She is saving money so she can go back to school. She wants to specialize in management in the food industry, and become a caterer.
Doreen is not only the youngest woman in our program, but came to us with one of the most desperate stories. One of the most astounding things about Doreen is how her outlook on life has changed. It’s been incredible to watch her hopelessness transform into goal-setting! She’s passionate about going back to school, being a good mom, and getting a good job, and she views 31 Bits as simply a stepping stone to reach her goals.”
This Christmas will look different for Doreen. She has a beautiful baby girl, a job, healthcare, and hope for her future. You can help Doreen “Spread Holiday Cheer”, by sharing her story, and wearing the bracelet she made.
