From the stone quarry to a fashion shop

In the aftermath of the late '90s and early 2000s wars in Northern Uganda, many women fled to the slums of Kampala, escaping the shadows of conflict only to find themselves facing new challenges. Without education and relying on skills from subsistence farming, they took up dangerous work in stone quarries.

Their lives took a hopeful turn when non-profit interventions introduced them to bead making—a skill that promised to liberate them from the perils of quarry labor. Bead making became not just a source of income but also a source of pride and purpose, transforming their lives beyond mere survival.

However, this newfound stability was short-lived. The bead market, initially thriving, began to crumble due to unethical business practices. The situation worsened dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which decimated the remaining market opportunities. Stranded without alternatives, these resilient women were forced to resort to meager income-generating activities such as fruit selling and food vending. Some even had to return to the treacherous quarries. Earning less than a dollar a day made basic necessities like three meals a day and quality education for their children unattainable dreams.

Kech Pe Tii: Amid this despair, our non-profit organization stands as a beacon of hope. Dedicated to resurrecting the bead market, Kech Pe Tii aims to reinstate these women’s livelihoods by empowering them through their artisanal skills. Our mission is not just about business—it's about restoring dignity and providing sustainable means to break the cycle of poverty.

Our Vision:

We dream of a world where our artisans are celebrated for their craftsmanship, not hidden in the shadows of the marketplace. Our beads are more than just accessories; they symbolize heritage, resilience, and hope, crafted with each artisan's personal story of overcoming adversity.

Our Goal: We are raising funds to scale up production, enhance sales channels, and break into international markets that demand authentic, culturally rich, and high-quality crafts. Your support will also help us bolster our marketing efforts, increasing awareness of our unique products through strategic use of social media and a robust online presence.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these talented women, celebrating and sharing their rich cultural heritage on a global scale. Join us in our mission to uplift, empower, and transform lives—one bead at a time.

By donating to Kech Pe Tii, you are directly contributing to a sustainable future for these artisans, enabling them to earn a dignified income and providing them with empowering opportunities. Each donation helps us bring their exquisite beadwork to the global stage, enriching customers' lives while supporting the artisans' community.

Join us in transforming lives: Your contribution will help turn tales of desperation into narratives of empowerment and success. Support Kech Pe Tii today, and be a part of creating a brighter, more dignified future for Ugandan women artisans.