Arach Jennifer

Jennifer has four children: Agness, Winnie, Innocent, and Prosy. She is an expert bead maker and can make our most difficult designs. Along with bead making, she sells tomatoes to earn money and support her family. She always tells us she has the “American Height.” She is over 6 feet tall, which is very uncommon for Acholi women.

Aber Christine

Christine is an outgoing 29-year-old. She has two children that are now able to go to school and continue growing into smart and beautiful adults. Christine has learned how to make delicious passion fruit juice from her mother. She desires to continue working with 31 Bits and to build a house for her and her family.

Abio Vicky

Vicky has a kind and gentle spirit. She is has three children, one of whom is always around the office. She tells us her youngest daughter, Joan, is our “larema” (friend) and that one day we should take her to the U.S. with us to show her what life is like there.

Abong Susan

Susan is a 30-year-old single mother of four children. Susan knows the cost of keeping her word. She once told her young twin boys, Opio and Ochen, that she would buy them a little toy truck when she was paid. On the night she received her first payment, she ran to town to buy the gift. When she returned home, the boys were asleep. When she woke them up and gave them the gift, they were beyond excited. When they finally fell back asleep, the toy trucks were still in their arms. Susan loves to sing because “singing drives the worries away.” She is continually learning and hopes that one day she will be able to read.

Aciro Florence

Florence is 48-years-old and has her hands full with six kids. Although she was abducted by the LRA when she was 33-years-old, she still possesses a contagious love and thankfulness for her current situation. Florence is nothing short of incredible. She hopes to invest her money into buying a plot of land to build a house for her and her six children.

Aciro Joyce

Joyce is a 41-year-old mother of seven who like many of the 31 Bits women was displaced by the war. Joyce hopes that one day she will be able to move back to the village she grew up in and build a home for her and her family. Joyce’s favorite thing about Uganda is the amazing wild animals. Joyce would like to tell America “Thank you for what you have done and what you are still doing. I am a better woman because of it.”

Adoch Janet

Janet is a beautiful, fun-loving, care-free mother of two who always seems to find something to smile about. Her dream is to one day start a second-hand clothing business. Janet says that real love comes from the heart and she would like to ask America to “continue supporting the women of Northern Uganda through 31 Bits.”

Adokarac Ketty

Ketty is one of the comedians of the group, she never fails to make us laugh. She is full of life and loves dancing, singing, and working with 31 Bits. Ketty cares for two children, Joy and Emmanuel. Because of the capital and finance training she has recieved through 31 Bits, she recently opened a local shop that sells rice.

Adong Caroline

Caroline is hard working and generous with what she has. She is always willing to help out others and put their needs before her own. Because her husband is paralized, she is the only one providing for her family. She hopes to one day be able to put her son, Cosmas, in school along with her other two children.

Adong Nighty

Nighty is a great mother. She has six children and her favorite thing to do is to share her experiences with them. Her goal for the future is to continue to earn enough money to educate all of her children. She loves to dance and whenever we have 31 Bits parties, she never ceases to entertain us with her crazy dance moves.

Adyero Lucy

Lucy is a mother, a comedian, a member of 31 Bits, a creator, a designer, a friend, and a Gymnast. Lucy has strength like you wouldn’t imagine-both physical and emotional. She has experienced a hard? life, but she does not let it weigh her down. Her laugh is contagious, her love is unconditional, and her hope is inspiring.

Agnorwot Lillian

Lillian is 20-years-old and has an adorable one-year-old son named Jacob. She would love nothing more than to go back to school some day. She hopes to open her own business and own a house for herself and family. She smiles when she looks back on the past year and the way her life has changed. Some of Lillian’s favorite things to do are cooking and reading the Bible. She loves that Uganda is now at a time of peace and she is very hopeful and excited for the future.

Ajok Jackline

Jackline is thankful to all the supporters of 31 Bits. Since joining the program, she has acquired a bicycle, earned an income that allows her to send her son to school, and been able to afford medication to treat her HIV. She loves cooking, resting, and visiting friends.

Ajok Stella

19-year-old Stella is one of the youngest members of the 31 Bits family. When we first met Stella, she was shy and solemn, hardly saying a word. Now, we frequently catch her smiling and joining in everyday conversations with her friends at 31 Bits. Stella is a mother of two who hopes to one day own a clothing business. Stella is very happy that there is now peace in Uganda and would like to tell America, “Thank you! Please continue to support the women of Uganda through 31 Bits.”

Akello Eveline

Eveline is 23-years-old and a mother of two. Paul, her youngest son is always around the office. The way she loves and cares for him is truly inspiring. Eveline has such a positive attitude and always has a smile on her face. She hopes to one day be able to attend University.

Akello Jackline

Jackline is 28-years-old and cares for four children. All of them are in school because of the capital she has earned from making beads at 31 Bits. She is currently being trained in financial management and small business development and she hopes to soon open up a business of her own.

Akello Joyce

Joyce has a contagious spirit. When you see her face, you can’t help but smile and catch a glimspe of her joy. She always has a positive attitude about her work and is an encouragement to everyone around her. She makes the 31 Bits office a brighter place.

Akello Polyn

Polyn is 19-years-old, extremely energetic, and very independent. She is a single mother of one little boy. She is fascinated by what the Americans wear and loves putting her own spin on fashion in Uganda. She gets excited about new jewelry designs at 31 Bits. Polyn hopes to open up her own business with the money she is earning. She would like to tell America “Thank you for supporting me through 31 Bits. You have changed my life so much.”

Akello Rose

Rose has a dream that one day she will own land where she can build her own house. She has eight children and she cares for four others. To Rose, love means treating others as you would want to be treated. She uses the money she receives through 31 Bits to pay her children’s school fees and buy food. Rose’s son Charles was abducted by the LRA and has never returned. Despite Rose’s hardships, she possesses an incredible joy and hope for the future. She would like to tell America, “Thank you. Because of you, I am now able to support my family. God Bless you.”

Akello Stella

Stella not only makes beads, but also does emroidery, making it possible for 31 Bits to produce unique designs such as our fabric cuff bracelets. Her artistic abilbity is evident when you look at the beautiful jewerly she makes. She is patient, hard working, and a joy to be around.

Akite Juliet

Juliet is 25-years-old and always seems to have a smile on her face. She hopes to be able to give her kids opportunities and a bright future. Her love for her children is obvious as she is continually playing and laughing with them. She is thankful for all the new friendships she has formed by working at 31 Bits.

Akot Nighty

Nighty has one child and dreams of building her own home one day. She is 19-years-old and has a contagious smile. She was abducted by the LRA when she was four years old for two days. Despite the pain and suffering that the war has caused in Nighty’s life, she finds joy and happiness in making 31 Bits jewelry.

Akullu Rose

Rose is married and has four children. She cares deeply for people and describes love as “understanding each other in all aspects of life.” Rose seeks to know, understand, and care for people. She hopes to one day learn hairdressing and open a salon from the capital earned from 31 Bits.

Akullu Sarah

Sarah has an adorable little girl, Kallie, named after one of the founders at 31 Bits. She is a good mom and loves taking care of her children. She dreams of one day building a house of her own and owning a local business that can help her generate income.

Akwero Harriet

Harriet has a gentle spirit and kind heart. Her smile makes the 31 Bits office a brighter place. She was a bead-maker before joining our program, but earned little money and struggled to support her family. Since joining 31 Bits, she is able to earn a sustainable income and dream about her future. She hopes to one day open a small business and buy a plot of land to build a house for her family.

Akwero Joyce

Joyce is always one of the first ladies to greet you when you arrive at work. She loves the time of fellowship at the 31 Bits offices. It is evident that she cares for the community around her by the way she cares for each member of 31 Bits. Since joining the program, Joyce says her welfare has improved and she no longer worries about money or not being able to provide for her family.

Amenya Harriet

Harriet is a 28-year-old mother of two. She loves knitting and making clothing. She would love to invest the money she makes from 31 Bits into buying a sewing machine. Harriet is full of positivity and dreams of one day opening up her own salon. Harriet says that love means speaking truth into other people’s lives and helping one another out of hard times.

Amono Margaret

Margaret is 44-years-old and dreams of providing a better life for her seven amazing children. Two of her children were abducted by the LRA. Thankfully both have now returned safely and Margaret works hard to be able to provide opportunity and hope for them. She says that love means putting others before yourself. Margaret continually pours out unconditional love to everyone around her. She would like to tell America “Thank you for supporting the women of Northern Uganda, I thank God for you!”

Anena Hope

Hope certainly lives up to her name. Her work for 31 Bits allows her to support her two young daughters, Mercy and Michelle. Hope’s laughter is contagious and her heart is generous. She has used the capital earned from 31 Bits to open a small shop out of her home.

Anena Rose

Rose is 28-years-old and is the mother of three children, Moses, Jannet, and Christopher. She is always one of the first women to greet you with a smile and a hand shake. Rose loves the supporters of 31 Bits and really thanks everyone for what they are doing to help them.

Anirwoth Eveylyn

Evelyn dreams of owning her own land, building a home, and starting her own tailoring business. The 29-year-old mother of two loves coming to the 31 Bits office to work. “I smile because of the job 31 Bits has provided me with.” Evelyn hopes to continue designing for 31 Bits and plans to continue introducing new and exciting designs to the organization. She wants to tell America “Thank you for the help you have given!”

Anyeko Joska

Joska is a beautiful 45-year-old woman who radiates love. Joska’s daughter is also employed by 31 Bits. She has five children of her own and she also takes care of five others. Joska has a very peaceful nature. She dreams of learning English and one day owning her own produce trading business.

Apiyo Julliet

Julliet is 24-years-old and has so much curiosity about the United States. She is always asking us what life is like there. She loves to see photos, videos, and hear about how it differs from Uganda. She hopes to one day go back to University and earn her certificate or degree.

Arach Pauline

Pauline is 21-years-old with two children. She loves being a part of 31 Bits and earning an income that allows her to send her kids to school, and provide healthcare, clothing, and shelter for her family. She hopes to one day open a tailoring shop that sells materials and designs clothing.

Atim Alice

For 22-year-old Alice, LOVE means respecting and showing kindness to yourself and others. Alice has one child and always seems to have a smile on her face. She loves learning and hopes to use the money she receives through 31 Bits to return to school. Alice would like to tell America, “Thank you for supporting me through 31 Bits! Because of you I will be able to send my children to school!”

Atim Fibi

Fibi is one of the youngest members of the group. At the age of 19, she is a single monther of three, two of whom are her sister’s children that she cares for. She was forced to drop out of school at an early age to try to earn money to support her family. Since joining 31 Bits, she says ”everything is good.” Fibi is now able to provide for her children, pay for their school fees, and purchase money to treat her HIV.

Atoo Monica

Monica was abducted by the LRA and lived in the bush with them for eight years. After her escape, she returned to Gulu and received counseling and vocational training from World Vision. She was trained in tailoring and now works for 31 Bits to create the beautiful, hand stitched fabric and leather cuffs. She never ceases to amaze us with her creatvity and artistic ability.

Atoo Florence

Florence is a fun-loving, hilarious, energetic mother of six. She is 35-years-old and getting younger! Her favorite memory is of her father and the way he used to make her smile. Florence was abducted by the LRA when she was 17 and was kept in captivity for three years. Despite Florence’s hardships, she is filled with an incredible joy and love that flows out into every aspect of her life.

Auma Florence

Florence is a 45-year-old widow who cares for seven children. She is a hard-working mother and strives to provide for all of her children. She has many talents such as jewelry making, sewing, and creating different crafts that she used to sell in the market. Since joining 31 Bits, she is now able to send her kids to school and consistently provide food, clothing, and healthcare for her family.

Awekojok Christine

Christine is a 48-year-old mother of nine. Christine uses the money she receives through 31 Bits to pay for her children’s school fees, feed her family, and pay for medication. Some day, Christine would like to build her own house for her kids to live in permanently. Christine is so thankful to be a part of 31 Bits and she would like to tell America, “Thank you for supporting me through 31 Bits, I am better off because of it”.

Ayee-rwot Florence

Florence has been with us since the beginning. She is authentic and honest. She is a 29-year-old spitfire and is married with three children. Her free time is spent cooking and being with her children. Florence and her husband own a small cassava garden, growing roots to feed their family. 31 Bits is grateful to have Florence’s energy as a part of the organization. She wishes to tell everyone, “Greetings”!

Bai Christine

Christine is a beautiful mother of three. She enjoys making paper beads and hopes to one day invest her money into starting a business. She uses the money she receives through 31 Bits to pay her children’s school fees, buy medicine, and feed her family. Christine is always eager to learn and wants to tell America “Thank you for changing our lives. Because of your support I am able to buy food for my family.”

Laker Beatrice

Beatrice is one of the creators of the hand-stiched, fabric cuff. It has become one of our company’s favorite products. The detailed embroidery is proof that she is very innovative and creative in her work. Beatrice is hard working, patient, and takes the time to precisely craft each beautiful design.

Ayero Jennifer

Jennifer is a mother of six. Before joining 31 Bits, she sold local produce, earning less than $1 a day. The 31 Bits program has enabled her to earn enough money to pay the school fees for all of her children. Jennifer loves being a designer and says that she now is living the “good life.”

Lagulu Jackie

25-year-old Jackie uses the money she earns from 31 Bits to pay her child’s school fees, buy food for her family, and rent a place to live. One day, she hopes to build her own home for her family to live in. She loves cooking and spending time with her kids. Although Jackie’s childhood was hard, she is still full of love, joy, and an incredible sense of hope.

Laker Susan

Susan is one of the leaders of our group. She is admired by many of the women for her knowledge and wisdom. She is a diligent worker and an amazing bead maker. She can make the most intricate designs and takes pride in the jewelry she creates.

Lakot Rose

Rose possesses a tremendous amount of inner strength. Her family was brutally killed by the rebel army when she was a little girl. Despite the hardship that Rose has faced throughout her life, she still possesses a joy and optimism about the world around her. Rose hopes to use the money she receives from 31 Bits to buy land and build a house.

Lamunu Agnus

Agnus is a 24-year-old fun, energetic, and rambunctious mother of three. She is HIV positive. Agnus is so thankful for 31 Bits, “I can now see light because of what 31 Bits is doing…I am now making my own money and for the first time I have a voice!” Agnus’ favorite things to do are farming and making beads. She hopes to build her own house, own a business, and send her kids to good schools.

Lanyero Eveline

Eveline has a contagious laugh-we can often hear her giggling from inside our office. She is the sister of Atoo Florence, another one of our designers. With the two of them around, there is never a dull moment at the 31 Bits office.

Lapolo Nancy

19-year-old Nancy is a warm, loving, and beautiful young woman. She has one child. Her favorite thing about Uganda is the friendly people. Nancy loves being a part of the 31 Bits family and says that when she is making paper beads she can’t help but smile. Nancy hopes to one day build her own home and start a farming business.

Nakato Jackline

Jackeline started off cooking and selling food to the women working at 31 Bits. After attempting to make beads and creating a design that no one else could perfect, she became one of our designers. She cares for five children, one of whom is always around the office and is always making us smile.

Obita Margaret

Margaret would like to tell America to “continue supporting 31 bits and other organizations that help oppressed people.” Margaret lost her own mother at a young age, and is now an amazing mother to seven children! She dreams of one day owning her own business. Margaret loves learning new skills and hopes to one day master the art of tailoring.

Oceng Nighty

Nighty is one of the natural leaders of our group. Once a month we hold a Bibly Study/Worship Service for all the directors, staff, and designers. Nighty is always the first to volunteer to share, encourage, and lead the group in singing and dancing. Her joyful spirit is contagious. We can’t help but smile and join in when we see her singing, jumping and dancing.

Okwero Margaret

36-year-old Margaret loves telling stories to her kids and giving them advice on how to succeed in life. Margaret’s parents were killed by the rebels when she was young. Her favorite memories are of when her parents were still alive. Thinking back on those times she says: “in those days, everything was still alright.” Margaret dreams of building a home for her and her family to live in. She wants to continue progressing towards a better life.

Oneka Hellen

Hellen is known amongst the 31 Bits group as “Mama Hellen,” as she is looked to as a leader by many. Mama Hellen’s favorite memory is of the day when God joined her together with 31 Bits. She is an amazing 56-year-old woman who has a contagious joy and enthusiasm for life. She is a widow and a mother of five children. She uses the money she earns through 31 Bits to support her family and care for other children. Mama Hellen dreams of building a house for her family and starting her own business.

Onen Rose

Rose has two biological children but has taken in four more under her wing. She has a quiet, sensitive spirit about her and is very diligent in her work. Two of her goals in life are to open and run a local business and to educate all six of her children. She is so thankful to all who support them by purchasing their jewelry.

Oyella Kevin

Kevin is 23-years-old. She was born into captivity during the war, but managed to escape after three years of living in the bush. Her favorite memory of her childhood is the consistent care and love her grandmother gave her after she came home from being in captivity. Kevin’s favorite thing to do is to work with 31 Bits and it is very evident in the work she does. Her beads are always perfect and she always has a smile on her face.

Oyella Rose

Rose is 25-years-old and absolutely loves spending time with her four kids. Her youngest son, Ronnie, is constantly sneaking into the office for a “sweet.” Rose has grown in tremendous ways since starting at 31 Bits and now leads one of our community groups. She has a way of pushing others forward and making sure no one is left behind. Rose says that LOVE means “helping one another move from the bad to the good.” Rose seems to always be the life of the party. She loves entertaining the rest of the women with her crazy, hilarious stories. She hopes that one day, she will be able to build a house for her family and start her own clothing business.

Ajok Pamela

Pamela is the “family cook.” She makes delicious food everyday that she sells to all of the workers at the 31 Bits office. Whether she makes cabbage, cassava, or tea, we always enjoy her cooking and her company. Pamela also participates in our development programs. She is currently learning English and how to save money.

Lanyero Hellen

Hellen is an innovative entrepreneur, constantly looking for ways to earn extra money. She farms and grows a lot of local food and sells it to the ladies working at 31 Bits. She comes at least twice a week with new produce for sale, such as eggplant, popcorn, tomatoes, cassava, and more. Our 31 Bits staff are big supporters and love purchasing produce from her.

Acayo Mary

38-year-old Mary’s favorite memory is of when her father would return home from long hunting trips and her family would make a big feast. Mary is a kind-hearted, beautiful woman who loves playing with her seven children and telling them stories about life. Mary dreams of seeing her kids succeed in school and one day want to own her own produce business. She would like to tell America “Thank you! Because of 31 Bits I am now able to rise above the poverty line.”

Asio Justine

19-year-old Justine is dependable, honest, and a hard worker. Her husband is a farmer and together they take care of their one-year-old son, Nikolas. She is known around the compound for always telling the truth and she attributes this quality to the way her mother raised her. Her trustworthy character makes her a great example to other women both young and old.

Auma Grace

Grace has lived a hard life. She was abducted by the LRA when she was only six and spent eleven years in the bush with them. She went through counseling upon her return, but was left to care for her four children all by herself. Since joining 31 Bits, she says that she can “now stand on her own rather than having to beg from other people.”

Lawino Winnie

Winnie has a very gentle spirit and always carries a smile on her face. She comes from a large family of eight. She has a three-year-old boy and another on the way. She hopes to one day open her own fabric business.

Jackline

Jackline is a single mother of four with one more on the way. She has three girls and one boy between the ages of one and nine! She is a strong woman who cares deeply for her children.

Ayoo Nighty

Nighty began with 31 Bits as our first tailor! She is still perfecting her skills but learning very quickly. She is a lot quieter than the rest of our vivacious group of woman but also manages to keep pushing on despite her struggles in life. She was abducted as a young girl and now raises four children all by herself. Three of her children are in school but it has been a constant struggle for her to pay the school fees and provide food for her family. She is thankful to 31 Bits because she can now pay those school fees and feed
her family.

Avono Lucy

Lucy came to 31 Bits as an expert bead maker, but wasn’t able to make enough money selling beads in the local market. Her strength has enabled her to overcome the death of two children. Through making an income at 31 Bits, she is able to care for her other six children as well as her mother. Lucy values wisdom and a hard work ethic and is teaching her children to work with the same dedication that she has, that they will know how to provide and take care of themselves.

Auma Beatrice

Beatrice brightens the lives of those around her with her great big smile. She is a strong woman who has raised four children. The eldest is seventeen and the youngest is four. Three of them are currently in school but she says the school fees are very expensive. She is happy to be working with 31 Bits because she can now afford the school fees and one day begin saving money to start her own produce business.

Atoo Grace

Grace is a joy to be around and her strength is very apparent. She is a widow, and is raising her three children and one of her sister’s children. She used to sell grass for a living (the grass that is used for the roofs of huts). She is so thankful to be working with 31 Bits because she was not able to provide for her family with her previous income. Now that she is working with 31 Bits she can pay her children’s school fees and feed her family.

Atim Irene

Irene has always worked hard trying to provide for her family. Now that she has a consistent income with 31 Bits, she is able to provide for her family and send all four of her children to school.

Arac Florence

Florence is a widow who is raising her four girls by herself. She says that she is happy to work with 31 Bits. Before joining our program, she used to wash clothes but did not make enough to provide for her family. She is thankful for the opportunity to provide food for her family and send her kids to school.

Laker Kevin

It is rare that you will ever catch Kevin frowning. She is soft spoken with a warm smile. She grew up with two sisters and is currently raising two sons on her own. She loves working at 31 Bits and trusts that God will always provide for her.

Alum Santa

Santa’s joy seems to fill any room she is in. Her cheerful spirit and love for those around her is felt within moments of meeting her. She is a single mother of three very rambunctious boys. Santa is constantly willing to translate from Luo to English and is working hard to continue improving her English.

Akwero Joyce

Joyce is a wife and a mother who is raising three boys. She says that when she graduates from 31 Bits she plans to use the money she has earned to start her own second hand clothing business.

Ajok Hellen

Ajok Hellen is a very caring woman who has not only raised three of her own children but also cares for one of her sister’s children. She is widowed and has only been able to afford the school fees for one child. She is grateful to 31 Bits because she can now afford school fees for all of the children in the house.

Anena Charity

Charity has been blessed with three children. While the two oldest are in school, we get the joy of hanging out with her youngest daughter, Patience. She is an adorable little girl who is stubborn as can be (in Uganda, the word “stubborn” is used for rambunctious and hilarious). Charity plans on setting aside savings from her work with 31 Bits so she can one day begin her own second hand clothing business.

Acayo Hellen

While she may be soft spoken, Hellen is an extremely strong mother. She has raised seven children! One day, she hopes to use the money she makes at 31 Bits to start her own business selling fruit and veggies in the market.

Acayo Filder

Filder’s strength is truly inspiring. Despite the hardship of losing children, she manages to carry on with a smile and works hard to provide for her other five children. Before working at 31 Bits, Filder struggled to earn a living through washing clothes. She is now able to earn an income that allows her to pay her children’s school fees and provide them with food and a home.

Acan Stella

Even though Stella is new to 31 Bits she already fits right in. Her warm and friendly spirit makes you feel right at home. She is happy to be working with 31 Bits because she is now able to afford school fees for her three children. After graduating from 31 Bits she would like to sell produce in the local market.

Apiyo Juliet

Awekojok Christine

Olweny Grace

Grace joined the group solely to create one of our most difficult pieces of jewelry. She was quick to learn and perfect the design in a matter of weeks. She enjoys being a part of 31 Bits and is grateful to earn an income that allows her to provide for her family and send her kids to school.