There are 15 students in Ghana who are currently receiving education solely because of Project Bead. To date, these students have received $150,000 since Project Bead started in 2009. These students would not have gotten the opportunity to be educated if it wasn’t for this organization. However, $150,000 between 15 children is only $10,000 each. Most people reading this article are probably attending universities that are more or less, $40,000 a year. Some people may have even gone to private high schools that had a steep tuition as well. This is exactly why we need all be givers through Project Bead.
It seems crazy to say that $150,000 is not enough. But we are all a part of a society that is immersed in social media trends and the latest fashion fads. So I know we can do better. If each person reading and sharing this article took the time to check out Project Bead we could start to benefit 30 students and raise $300,000 and continue to build on that each year.
So what is Project Bead? This organization started as the Mmofra Trom Bead Project in 2009 and was created by Dianne Kellogg, a professor at Bentley University. She sold Ghanaian- made bracelets in the United States and used the profits to fund a high school education for students in Ghana. Over the years the organization has grown and has empowered so many women in Ghana to made these beads and benefit financial from them. Today, nine women who hope to fund more students’ education run Project Bead.
So how do I come in? I am a sales representative and co-leader for Project Bead at Baylor University. My childhood friend who attends Bentley University reached out to me this year to buy some bracelets. But I wanted to do more than just buy a bracelet for $12. One of my friends at Baylor, Cathleen Conrad, and I loved the look of the bracelets as well as the cause so we are rallying behind the vision. We have been reaching out to our friends and family to buy these bracelets as well join our Baylor Project Bead team.
Education is something that is taken for granted. We moan and groan when we have to wake up for 8 a.m. classes and get mad when we don’t have a longer holiday break. But there are children who are longing for as little as an elementary level and high school level education. For anyone living in the United States that have something to give, should consider joining this cause. The bracelets, necklaces, and other merchandise make for great gifts for the holidays and you will feel great knowing where your money is going.
By spreading the word about Project Bead, wearing the merchandise, and asking people to simply be a giver with you can change student’s lives in Ghana little by little each year. Start Project Bead on your campus, follow the social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date, and do everything little thing you can to be a giver. We are helping children get the education that they deserve but you will also be giving to yourself. There is no better feeling than knowing you are making a difference and doing more with your opportunities than just complain.
Source: www.projectbead.com
