I am, and have been for quite some time, a huge fan of beads by the Leakey Collection. I wear them wrapped, a dozen at a time, around my wrist. Having the colorful beads on reminds me of my trip to Kenya last year.
Sara with Maasai women in Kenya
The Leakey Collection was founded in 2002 by Katy and Philip Leakey. Their work includes the design and manufacture of contemporary jewelry that is hand made by the Maasai women and men of Kenya from environmentally sustainable materials.
The newest addition, Beads for Learning, is dedicated to the improvement of education in rural Kenya. The Beads for Learning are a colorful take on the Zulugrass line. Utilizing a playful mix of different colors, these versatile strands make a striking necklace, bracelet or hair tie. Just a couple of twists and you literally have dozens of styles. Maasai artisans are designing one of a kind bracelets to symbolize their children's bright futures.
With the Beads for Learning you can literally buy bracelets and educate kids.
– The Leakey Collection will donate 100% of their profits from the sales of these bracelets to pay for local teachers' salaries.
– Every 5 strands sold equals one day's salary.
– Employing just one extra teacher brings opportunity to hundreds of children and their families.
The Beads for learning are available online here.
I’m wearing my Beads for Learning strands all of this week in honor of Fair Trade Month (October) and Teacher Appreciation Day today!
