Job created: 26
Women involved: 26
The sustainable craft and women’s empowerment project, developed by A&K Philanthropy in Uganda and Zambia, is an extraordinary circular economy initiative that combines environmental protection, social empowerment and economic independence for local women.
The initiative took its first steps in the village of Buhoma, on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, where a group of 15 women set up a zero-emission bead-making business using paper sourced from old, recycled magazines. Unlike traditional glassmaking, which requires large quantities of firewood, this ancient method involves simply rolling strips of paper to create beads of various shapes, colours and sizes, which are then strung onto bracelets. The initiative not only contributes to local recycling programmes and requires very little equipment, but has established itself as a genuine art form recognised globally, with the beads now being sold in Nordstrom stores across the United States. The economic impact has been immediate: in the first two months alone, each artisan earned over $200 – double the average income in the region.
Building on this success, the model has also been rolled out in Zambia with the launch of Sishemo Studio in the village of Nakatindi, near Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma lodge. Launched in 2018 with an initial group of six women and now employing 11, the workshop transforms old discarded glass bottles into handcrafted jewellery. The process involves crushing and melting the glass in an outdoor kiln; the holes in the beads are ingeniously made using cassava roots, and the resulting beads are then assembled into necklaces, earrings and bracelets sold directly to visitors at the lodge.
Given the extraordinary results achieved both environmentally and economically, the plan now envisages a further expansion of the project to the Chobe Chilwero community in Botswana and to Tanzania, in collaboration with the new Karatu Centre for Women’s Empowerment, funded by AKP.
Uganda, often called the secret pearl of Africa, wins the hearts of those who visit with its breathtaking scenery: crystal clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges and dense rainforests. This fascinating country boasts the highest concentration of primates in the world, providing an unparalleled wilderness experience.
In the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Uganda, is the Gorilla Forest Lodge, an exclusive retreat that combines comfort and sustainability. This region is famous for its iconic mascot: the mountain gorilla. About half the world's population of this rare and endangered species lives here, making Bwindi a must-visit destination for those seeking the thrill of a close encounter with these extraordinary primates.
The Gorilla Forest Lodge, completely renovated in 2024 and designed with respect for the environment, offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Its ten suites, renovated with attention to detail, blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain landscape. The lodge's amenities include a cosy bar, a lounge perfect for relaxation and a refined dining area with panoramic views of the rainforest, where guests can rejuvenate after a day's trekking. A raised platform allows guests to dine al fresco, surrounded by the enveloping sounds of nature.
The lodge's strategic location, a stone's throw from the starting point of gorilla-watching treks, makes it a unique place. Not infrequently, gorilla families come to the lodge, offering guests the chance to experience unforgettable moments in close contact with these magnificent animals, in their natural habitat.
