WSMV Channel 4 Charity helping women grown business in Uganda

Charity helping women grown business in Uganda

A group of women in the United States have formed an unlikely bond with women in Uganda.

Their connection is a nique jewelry made from paper and a shared vision to improve the lives of women in Africa.

Kallie Dovel traveled to Uganda in 2007 to work with children. While there she met some women making beaded jewelry out of recycled paper.

"I bought a really big box of ladies jewelry just thinking I could sell it back home and at least give them some money. So, I sold it at one of the small little craft fairs. Just one time, the whole box sold," said Kallie Dovel.

It was that response that led her and four of her college friends to start '31 Bits'.

"31 bits comes from Proverb 31. I talks about women sustaining for their families. And bits is just, bits of paper," said Dovel.

How the women make the jewelry is a bit of a process.

"They start by cutting the paper in long triangular strips. And then they roll it from the thickest part down and then soak it in a water based varnish, and then they string it," said Anna Nelson of 31 Bits.

"Our bracelets are anywhere from $8 to $35. And then our necklaces range from $20 to $50," said Alli Swanson of 31 Bits.

But 31 Bits is doing more. They're hoping to enrich lives.  It started with just six Ugandan women making the jewelry and has now grown to more than 100.

"Our view of good development work is really caring for each of our women holistically," said Julie Simonson of 31 Bits.

31 Bits has even developed a four-year program to prepare the women for owning their own businesses.

"They can actually open up this business while they're still making beads and have that source of income to rely on," said Simonson.

And they're already seeing the women reap the rewards.

"One of women has her own chicken farm. One of our women has a dress company," said Simonson.

As for the ladies behind 31 Bits, being part of the solution is what drives them.

"Actually seeing it be done on the ground and seeing the changes happening in the women's lives is just amazing. So just being able to be a part of that whether it's here or in Uganda, is just so exciting to see," said Brook Hodges of 31 Bits.

They're seeing how little bits of recycled paper can turn into a future and fulfillment - for women not just in Uganda but here in the U.S.

No stores in Tennessee sell the jewelry, but you can find it online.

Related Link: 31 Bits Website