Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I'm wearing a set of rainbow coloured beads, and it's an apt day for it. This necklace is actually because of the bead ladies of the refugee camp called Nakivale in Uganda. They are made of old paper calendars. I purchased these from the Australia HOPE International Jambo Sana African card and gift shop in Nairne in my electorate. They cost me $20, which I mention because $19 of this money went back to the Congolese and Rwandan women who made them. Ninety-five per cent of all profits from the handmade arts and crafts go back to these women, and it allows them to create a business with their jewellery and send their children to school.

This women's group is one of many projects coordinated by Australia HOPE International and their partner organisations in Uganda. All of this was started 17 years ago by Bill and Norma Osborne of Nairne, who went on a mission trip to Uganda and returned determined to make a difference. Bill and Norma, with their team, are living examples of the words spoken by scientist Margaret Mead: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.'