Elibit
Beadwork
At sixty-seven she sells her own work, at her own price.
“It has given me confidence in myself and my work.”
Elibit's family came to Kitale from Lodwar on foot, fleeing tribal clashes between the Turkana and Pokot. They walked for miles and hitchhiked on trucks until they arrived. They lived on the streets before moving to the Kipsongo slum. Her parents had no income, so the family begged on the streets and scrapped for food at the dumpster. She did that for most of her childhood before her parents forced her into an early marriage, hoping it would answer all their problems. Instead it was the beginning of them. Her husband was an alcoholic with no income, and she took menial work to provide for the family.
Her children were fortunate: sponsors took them to school, which gave her hope for a bright future. Her son graduated and his life changed, but not for long. He passed away and left her with two granddaughters to care for.
Elibit joined Baskets and Beads when there were only five of them. She has watched lives transform, from alcoholism to business, from jealousy and fights to love, peace, and respect. The women have a voice in the community now, and people listen to them and see the progress they have made. Her dream is for every woman in the slum to find the kind of love and support the group has given her.
In Elibit’s words
“To have regular orders so that I can have a regular income.”
Stand behind Elibit
Gifts go into the group’s shared table banking pool and the programs that support every woman in the circle: materials, literacy, medical help, and school fees for their children.
