There are many items for sale in the Taronga Western Plains Zoo gift shop, however the sale of one range of items in particular is the helping to make a difference.
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BeadWORKS is a handicrafts business that has set up opportunities for women and communities throughout Northern Kenya to translate their traditional skills into much needed income.
Since 2005, the number of participants has grown to more than1200 women, all of which are earning increasing incomes through BeadWORKS.
As part of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), BeadWORKS is a powerful and growing movement helping to transform lives, and is helps develop alternative income streams for local communities.
They train women in business skills and product development as well as improving access to adult literacy classes and health services.
The unique mix of bead colours also tell a story with colours such as red reflecting strength, green depicting grass and growth, and white representing purity and the health of milk.
When you purchase any of their products you are helping to secure a sustainable future for the wildlife, the people and the environment of Northern Kenya. The region is facing its worst drought in six decades, leaving people, livestock and wildlife desperately competing for survival.
People depend largely on livestock for their livelihoods which can affect the habitats and survival of many native species.
The beads and products created can provide fascinating details about the individual creator including her marital status, age and number of children she has.
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Therefore, by increasing alternative income streams, the program also assists in the conservation of local and endangered animals.
Taronga, along with other Australian organisations including Zoos Victoria and Zoos South Australia, are now working together to support the The Northern Rangelands Trust and the Beads for Wildlife campaign.
While Northern Kenya seems a long way from Dubbo, if you purchase a BeadWORKS ‘Beads for Wildlife’ souvenir next time you visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, you can help provide relief for wildlife and communities half a world away by enabling a new business to flourish.
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