Namukasa Rose and Connie in Kampala, Uganda

"Hope is back on me" - A Storyteller’s Journey in Uganda is Connie’s powerful tribute to the women she met in Uganda in 2007. It is a stunning blend of storytelling and visual imagery, elevating Power Point to a performance art. It brings together the voices, faces, music and stories of the tragic and triumphant lives of Ugandan women.

A compelling one hour performance for adults and teens, "Hope is back on me" is offered throughout the year at schools, universities, libraries, community groups and at special events exploring Women’s Studies, diversity, poverty and fair trade. 

To bring "Hope is back on me" - A Storyteller’s Journey in Uganda to your community, contact us for information on fees and available dates.

Click image to read feedback from Connie's
"Hope is back on me" performance in Chicago

The Journey

Namuwongo, on the outskirts of Kampala

Connie was invited to come to Africa – to Kampala, Uganda - by BeadforLife, a non-profit helping women lift themselves out of extreme poverty.  The African women have such a love and deep trust for everyone associated with BeadforLife, that Connie was welcomed into their lives as if she were family and she listened to their profound and transformative stories. Many of them are refugees from the horrors and atrocities of civil war in northern Uganda and are dealing with the ravages of AIDS.

"Hope is back on me." - Aduni Alice

Click to listen

But through BeadforLife, their lives have changed. Aduni Alice, one of the beaders, told Connie, "Hope is back on me." These women are now making gorgeous beaded jewelry out of recycled paper. They are supporting themselves, their families and extended families through the sale of the necklaces, bracelets and earrings. That circle includes over 2,000 people who have food, shelter and a future.  The jewelry is shipped to America where women are giving ‘bead parties’ to help their Ugandan sisters.  

Beaders welcoming Connie at Acholi Quarter

If you would like to be involved, see the beautiful web site www.beadforlife.org where you can purchase jewelry, learn about Fair Trade and host a bead party.  You can also read about the lives of the individual Ugandan beaders and their new Habitat for Humanity Village.

Connie is a "community partner" with Bead For Life and can facilitate having the jewelry at your event. Priced affordably at $5-$30, this exquisite jewelry is always a hit!

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