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Life in Africa USA is a Washington based non-profit organization that supports community-based organizations, run by and for war-affected families in Uganda.

We support the belief that taking action is the best way for people to heal and become self-sufficient. This website was created to provide information on how you can take action, no matter where you live, to support the efforts of these organizations and communities in Uganda.

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jungle beads

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The LiA Kireka  Jungle Beads program provides employment for the members of their community in Kampala, Uganda, many of whom had lost their entire way of life as a result of  the Ugandan civil war that raged for over twenty years. The program also offers much needed education for the adults in the way of english, business skills, production training, and numbers. Jungle Beads sales also provide much-needed funds for other Life in Africa programs.

The beadmakers gather at the Kireka center to sort, measure and cut recycled paper for the beads.

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Then each thin strip of paper is rolled around a needle and glued. The beads are then strung on a line and dipped in varnish several times. Once the varnish is dry, the jewelry assembly process starts.

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You can purchase these beautiful handmade beads in our crafts shop by clicking here.