DO Ubuntu Orphan Bracelet Project

The bracelet project is modeled on sustainable development techniques the women are taught how to run their own business, open bank accounts and additional life skills.

Public awareness and generating revenue

The Campaign is both a public awareness and revenue-generating project that helps women affected by HIV/AIDS and children orphaned by this epidemic. 

Crafters Training Program

Each crafters group consists out of approx. 5 women and a group leader.  The women go through a training program teaching them the techniques as well as how to use the tools. 

Currently, we craft bracelets in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. We work with community organizations, such as health forums and church groups, as well as smaller groups, such as a group of ladies who call themselves Siphile Sonke HIV (Living and Breathing HIV).

AIDS orphans

Siphile Sonke meets every day to make sure local AIDS orphans have enough food and are managing their health issues on a regular basis. There is a 70%  unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape, to try and overcome this we are introducing principles of small business, financial management and planning, we feel this is an integral part of improving and hopefully someday overcoming this tragic state of affairs.

The training process

The first step in incorporating a group into the Training Program, is to do a skills assessment, with the intention of applying their strengths and improve their weaknesses.  After completing the skills assessment, we explain the Campaign’s program directive and suggest how they would fit in, with an understanding of the standards we aim for.

As most of these women have had no personal experience with banking. We have guided and assisted our crafters in opening bank accounts and furthermore, we have provided them with a foundation on the basics of financial management.

The Siphile Sonke HIV group decided to apply for a loan to expand their business. The DO Ubuntu Orphan Bracelet Campaign facilitated this process and will provide further production training and guidance in the implementation of their plans.