When I buy gifts for others, I love it when I am able to purchase an item that does double duty, like the beadwork - both jewelry and houseware items - from Beads for Education.

Buy purchasing beaded products from this non-profit organization, I get to buy a gorgeous beaded gift for a friend - and I have many who really appreciate hand-crafted beadwork - and at the same time my purchase makes a difference in others women's lives.

Here is what the Beads for Education organization is all about according to its web site:

BEADS mission is to enhance the status of women in the community and to promote environmental awareness with a goal of preserving natural resources. BEADS programs provide school scholarships for African girls, promote business development for African women and support conservation through education.

Here is more about the women who make their beadwork jewelry and other products:

The Dupoto Women's Group is a BEADS project now consisting of 25 women who produce high quality beaded dog collars, coasters, trivets, headbands, baskets and key fobs which are marketed by volunteers in the United States. All of the profit is returned to the women's collective. This is their primary source of income and these women support over 128 children (as of Sept '04). Due to their success, the Dupoto Women's Group has received funding from USAID and has been selected as a role model for other women's groups in Kenya.

Okay, now for some beadwork eye-candy!








I purchased one of the key chains for myself, so I can vouch for the quality of the beadwork. I'm always getting compliments on it too. To view these and more jewelry on their site, just look at the bottom of their page for a link to "products."