"I am Magreth and I am 36 years old, wtih 3 children; 2 daughters and one son, 14, 10, 5 years of age. I am separate from table and bed. (separated from her husband).
I am a full time volunteer at the Charity Organization, and I'm not making any earnings. The beads are the only income I have to pay my house mortgage and the school (fees) for my children.
Please pray for me for the better solution. Thank you for your support."
Helena is 22 years old and is from Runda, but now lives in the 5 Rand camp in Okahandja. She has no children, 1 brother and lives with the brother of Pastor Thomas and his family.
Before she learned to do paper mache, Helena had no skills or education to be able to provide for herself. She uses the money she earns to buy food and is learning how to save for the future. Helena is also learning English and Math at the 5 Rand camp so she may one day own her own shop or small grocery store.
"My name is Hildegaartd and I am 41 years old, and I'm a mom of 4 children; 3 sons and 1 daughter and my daughter bless(ed) me with a grandson in 2004.
I am an single mom with 2 school-going sons. My only income is the money I made from selling beads. I pay school fees... I am also paying for my house mortgage bills with the money I earn from the beads.
I give you my regards in America. May God bless you. And thank you for your support through buying my beads."
"I am Caroline Hawaes. I am 24 years old and have one boy who is 7 years old.
From the money I get from the things I make I buy my child school fees and taxi who take him to the school every month and I buy food for us.
I thank God for sending Val to Namibia for us and I want to be a business lady one day."
Caroline is from Okahandja and lives in an area known as "Nau Aib". She shares a very small home with 3 of her 5 sisters and 4 children. Unlike many Namibians, Caroline was able to get an education equivalent to the 9th grade. Only one other sister in her household is currently employed. Before learning to do beadwork, Caroline had no other skills or way of earning money for her family. She is working hard to learn more skills and dreams of someday being able to have her own craft business.
Magdelena is 25 years old, is married to Joseph Haufiku and has 2 children, ages 10 and 4.
Magdelena makes paper mache items and has been able to pay school fee and provide food for her family. Her husband, Joseph, works at a brick making company. Joseph also helps with the church ministry at 5 Rand.
Magdelena is attending the English and Math class offered at 5 Rand. She has been able to open a bank account to start saving for her families future.
Fransina has lived in Okahandja for all of her 34 years. She has an 8 year old boy and a 13 year old girl, both who are attending school.
Fransina makes necklaces, bracelets and earrings to help pay the school fees, and taxi (transportation) costs for her children and to buy food for her family. With only a 7th grade education, Fransina had little work opportunities outside of domestic work before she learned to craft beautiful jewelry with beads.
It is her dream to make sure her children finish their education. She also desires to one day have a small business where she is able to display her own jewelry so she can provide a nicer home and car for her family's needs.
