Keza is slowly making its way to Auburn. So, your probably wondering what that means and what Keza is. Well, in Kinyarwanda Keza means “beautiful” and Keza beads are all about representing the beauty of Africa.

Each Keza necklace is hand made by the women who make up Sisters of Rwanda. This organization is aimed at providing a second chance for these Rwanda women who are victims of sex work and mistreated by their clients as well as the men of their village. It helps these oppressed women be able to take control of their lives.

A lot of work goes into the creation of each Keza necklace. The children of these women first gather recycled paper from old calendars and newspapers for the beads of each necklace. Then their mother’s hand- roll the papers to create necklaces together by hand. Therefore, no two necklaces are the same, they come in an assortment of different colors and are actually exceptionally fashionable.

Anna Schrader, a senior in Apparel Merchandising, got involved with the Sisters of Rwanda organization after volunteering in Nashville, which is where their organization is based. Schrader describes the necklaces by saying, “They’re high fashion, quality, but also help women.”

According the Sisters of Rwanda Web site, “KEZA is where “they” become “we”, and together we shall strive to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.”

Each necklace bought comes with a tag which is signed by the women who made that specific necklace. The organization is non profit and all of the money goes directly to that women and her family. So when you buy a Keza necklace it’s very personal, you know exactly who made it for you and exactly who your money is going to benefit.

Schrader is currently trying to bring these Keza necklaces to local stores and boutiques in Auburn. She explains how, “We can all come together as a community and really become part of a social enterprise.”

The Sisters of Rwanda organization is fairly new and Schrader hopes to spread the necklaces to Auburn’s college town. Currently Heartstrings is the only Auburn store that is carrying the necklaces. She even hosts house parties in which she sells the necklaces at their wholesale price of $25.

So Auburn now has the opportunity to get involved in a great cause. It’s a way to share the love and the message of Rwanda women with the simple purchase of a necklace.

For more information or to purchase a Keza necklace you can visit sistersofrwanda.org or contact Anna Schrader at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call her cell at 813-714-3313.




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