To a lot of people (including myself), it can be intimidating when you are thinking about helping impoverished countries and people. There are so many people in this world that need help, it’s almost too easy to have that “what will my measly $X do?” feeling. If you get this feeling too, then make it personal. Instead of trying to help an entire country, then help ONE person.
1000 Shillings is a small non-profit that works with six women artisans in a Ugandan slum and helps them make a living to support themselves and their families. They teach these women, who are single mothers and the sole income for their families, how to run a business and save money for a goal, whether it be to pay for school fees, or to start their own business.
1000 Shillings helps these talented artisans sell their paper jewelry, but it’s more than that. These women are given the chance to tell their story. You can read about each of these women on the website, and learn about their struggles, both past and present. Knowing that you are directly helping a single person can be one of the most rewarding feelings in the world, I highly suggest you consider this cause. Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean that people stop needing help. Plus, you get an original, handmade, beautiful piece of jewelry!
Learn more about 1000 Shillings on their website, and connect with them on Twitter and Facebook.
Wow! Awesome! I really do like the idea of sending money to ONE person. I like to know that I am helping. But sometimes just “sending money” makes me nervous that it’s not getting to the people that really need it. What a cool organization!
I am always iffy on sending money to stuff like that because how do we really know it is going toward what they say it is… this sounds like a really cool organization and I am gonna go check them out more!! Thanks for telling me about them…
I always say that, “what will my measly few bucks really do for them?” but I like this idea. I have never heard of this. Thanks for the info, I will have to check out their site.
Great article.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!