Beadwork has a long history in East Africa and often carries significant cultural meaning. Colors and patterns can indicate age, ethnic group, or marital status. Women typically learn beadwork from their mothers and grandmothers, making it a skill they can carry with them, rely on, celebrate, and pass down to their children. South Sudanese women are talented bead stringers and have used this heritage skill as a means of generating income after being forcibly displaced.

In this workshop, two forcibly displaced South Sudanese women, working with MADE51, a global brand by UNHCR, will teach participants about their heritage skill of beadwork. Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of the cultural significance of beadwork in South Sudan and a bracelet to take home.

The workshop begins with an introduction to the two artisans, who will familiarize the participants with their equipment, including a loom, needle, thread, and beads. They will then demonstrate the stringing technique and offer tips for making bracelets. Participants can choose from three patterns to create their bracelets for the rest of the workshop. Meanwhile, the artisans will walk around to assist in the bracelet-making process and share stories about their heritage craft and experiences with displacement.

NB Due to visa challenges, this workshop will be taught via video connection, with live assistance.

More than 120 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, driven from their homes by war, persecution, or disaster. Among this vast group are incredible artisans who possess the talent, culture, and heritage to create objects of true beauty.

MADE51 is a global brand, an initiative of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, connecting these artisans with social enterprises. Using Fair Trade principles, they support the design, development, and marketing of the unique products that form the MADE51 collection. Through MADE51, those forced to flee have the opportunity to earn an income while in displacement. For consumers, these pieces are more than beautiful examples of craftsmanship and heritage; they are expressions of hope.

Sunday Adee Michael is a South Sudanese refugee living in Kenya. She is a member of the Kalobeyei Women’s Handicraft Cooperative and specializes in beadwork. At 21 years old, she is the youngest leader in the cooperative. In 2016, Sunday arrived at the Kakuma refugee camp at the age of 13 with her 9-year-old brother. As a young girl, Sunday took full responsibility for her brother and herself, ensuring they received education and met their essential needs as the head of her household. Beadwork with the cooperative has played a crucial role in paying for their school fees and books.

Sunday demonstrates resilience in every situation. She joined the cooperative at 19 in 2021 and has since become one of its leaders. She hopes to complete her education and eventually attend university to earn a degree in business administration. After completing her studies, she plans to start her own small business and employ members of her community.

Nyanachiek Padiet is an internally displaced South Sudanese woman living in South Sudan. Nyanachiek has been working with Roots, a MADE51 social enterprise partner, for over eight years. She specializes in beadwork, a traditional skill passed down from her mother, and supports Roots with storekeeping, training artisans, and quality control for large orders. Nyanachiek  is a member of the MADE51 Artisan Speakers Group and uses her voice to help others understand her refugee experience and the importance of craft in her life. On World Refugee Day 2023, she spoke remotely at a MADE51 event at the UK House of Lords. She also participated with MADE51 at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.

Photo credits: Erin Flannery en Ala Kheir