$2 project

<$2 Project>

Purpose

In Australia, there are many aboriginal homeless people. They are called "Long-grassers". This project aims to involve those long-grassers, and interact with them.


Process
This project is to raise money to buy beads to provide for long grassers to make jewelries.   They will be given $2 for each bracelet they make.

 

Who will benefit from this project?

It is good for all, but will mainly benefit Aboriginal people. This project will keep them busy, and  might keep them away from alcohol. They will also gain the experience of earning money (Traditionally Aboriginal people didn't have a currency system, then they were used as slaves, then all of sudden they were given money as welfare, without doing anything.) This project's purpose is to provide them the opportunity to earn money by making products.

It would be good for the image for the city, because tourists who are asked for money can point them to the bead making rather than giving money. 

It may change the way aboriginal people are seen. If tourists see the aboriginal people sitting on the ground, they look like homeless people   However if they are making something, they will look like an artist or craftsman! and they will be treated with respect. It might help to raise their self esteem.  People may not notice but Aboriginal people are ashamed or feeling painful when asking for money, that is why they drink to forget the pain. (this is my opinion).

 

Can they make jewelry?

Yes they can.  Through my work as workshop facilitator for jewelry making, I teach many people,  disabled clients, school children, etc., and I find people with an aboriginal background  are good at beading. They are so talented with art! they have a very good sense of color and have the patience to do tedious work.  Actually they enjoy beading so much!


How to process

I am going to buy materials to create jewelries, and leave the beads in the shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops in the city.

If they make a bracelet, they will be given money, $2 for a bracelet. ( I am looking for the place in the city who can handle this process)

Then I collect the products, and sell at the Malak Marketplace. 

The profit will be used to buy more beads and material,  for the people who collect the products and sell at the market.


I also have support from TCASS (Territory Care & Support Service) to have a stall at Malak Marketplace to sell products made by the cliants and long-grassers/homeless people.



In this crowd funding, I would like to ask you to donate money to buy materials (beads, wire, finding, plyers, containers, etc) and you can support this project by buying the products they make, or even you can come to Malak Marketplace to make your own bracelet with them. You will be surprised at how peaceful and harmonious a time you will have when everyone is making something beautiful.



Sachi Hirayama
Darwin