Vision, Mission & Aims
Positive Beadwork Project
In June 2002 the Positive Beadwork Project (PBP) was created by the Kidzpositive Family Fund (NPO number 017-295). It is a group based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, trying to relieve some of the burden placed on women caring for HIV+ children.
The PBP was originally started with the help of a donation from St Cyprians school in Cape Town.
PBP has 2 main aims:
- provide an opportunity for income-generation to the care-givers, to help them support their families;
- increase awareness (both locally and internationally) of the AIDS pandemic through the marketing of beadwork done by persons living with AIDS (PLWAs).
Mothers or caregivers in this project are trained in beadwork, and then given weekly projects to complete. If the work is completed and of a high standard, they are paid for their work, and are given work for the next week. The PBP receives orders from a number of sites in South Africa, and internationally. They have an international School Network, where schools from the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Thailand order goods from the project, and sell them as part of an awareness-raising campaign. The mothers involved in the beading are also encouraged to attend bi-weekly on-site Support Group sessions. The project also aims to help establish similar projects at other sites throughout the country.
Innovation
The PBP model is an effective way of attempting to ensure HIV positive women adhere to treatment. By completing a beadwork project each week, thereby generating a small stable income, patients are less likely to default on treatment by staying away from hospitals or clinics because of financial reasons for example.
Effectiveness
The women are paid on completion of their work, rather than at the end of the month, which contributes to its effectiveness. 96 women are currently involved in the project. Their work is sold in South Africa, and in numerous countries throughout the world (UK, Australia, USA, France, Germany, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, Thailand, Canada, Hong Kong, Spain, and Russia.)
Poverty Impact
The average weekly income is R130, which adds up to R520 per month. Although this is not a massive amount, it does make a difference to those battling to support themselves and their families.
Sustainability
The money derived from sales is used to cover the costs of raw materials and payment to the bead-workers. Thus, the project is self-sustainable.
Replication
The start-up required for a project like this is R4000. Once this has been secured, one of the main problems is persuading clinicians that income-generating opportunities are part of comprehensive health care.
Partnerships
- HIV/AIDS Directorate
- Groote Schuur Hospital
- Kidzpositive Family Fund
- Rotary Club of Cape Town
