In the world’s largest refugee resettlement area of Bidi Bidi, Uganda, the women of South Sudan – refugees from their homeland who have lost everything – gather to create these Kiden Stars of Hope.
“We arrived with nothing and have suffered greatly, but we refuse to be idle. We will not be victims of our past. With our hands, we are building a future for ourselves. Every star is handmade by a woman in our group and takes one week to make. It is as unique as the woman who made it for you.” – Mary Kiden
Like many villages in Bidi Bidi, Mary’s is composed primarily of women and children who have suffered unimaginable amounts of trauma. Mary began creating her designs as a way to bring the women together, getting them out of their homes and helping them move past their pain. 100% of the net proceeds from each star will help Mary and her team continue to run a small workshop to expand their handicraft initiative as a means of improving their lives.