Local Crafts

Local people in rural communities are sustainably utilizing natural resources to make craft items. GEP has trained several marginalized women to make a range of craft products; most of these women are widows or elderly, some are HIV positive. The women make the crafts during the dry season (when less farming is done) to help raise money to pay for basic needs such as medicine, food, clothes, education for their children and community development.The women are supported by GEP which empowers women in five districts; Rubanda, Kabale, Kanugu, Kisoro and Rukungiri. The women make beads out of paper strips to make necklaces, bracelets and bags. Some of the necklaces are made from dried fruit and bean seeds.

The baskets, small potable table mats and wall hangings are made from local wild papyrus reeds which are sustainably harvested from swamps. The aim is to offer an alternative income generating activity to the rural communities.

To date the women have a variety of crafts products stored within their homes. However, GEP has a Collection Center for finished crafts. Every craft item has a story and the potential to improve the maker's life. By purchasing a craft item you are positively impacting on the rural community's livelihood. Be a part of the people that directly transform and support rural initiatives (see our Community Based Tourism page).