SLAVERY - CRIES OF OUR CHILDREN

Gem Slaves: Tanzanite’s child labour

Thursday 24 May 2012 14:20

SABC

children risk their lives in poorly constructed mine shafts trying to find tanzanite(SABC)

May 24, 2012

Gem Slaves: Tanzanite’s child labour

This week’s Special Assignment broadcasts a story which raised the ire of the world following its shocking revelations about a sad state of affairs of child labour in that country.  The story of child labour in one of Africa’s tanzanite mine is revisited during this Child Protection week. 

Mererani in northern Tanzania is the only place on earth where the precious stone tanzanite is mined and despite the amount of revenue the industry derives from mining, the town's residents live in desperate poverty, with children suffering the most. On a daily basis, thousands of these children risk their lives in poorly constructed mine shafts for barely a meal a day, to dig, trying to find tanzanite for a meagre income. Despite efforts to curb this deadly practice, the global thirst for tanzanite continues to drive these children underground.

Thursday the 24th of May 2012 on Special Assignment – broadcast on SABC 3 at 21:10PM.

According to reports, Tanzanian laws prohibit the employment of children under the age of 14 years in mainland Tanzania, except for light work that is not likely to harm the child's health and development and that does not prejudice the child's attendance at school. The laws also prohibit children under the age of 18 years from being employed in mines, factories, ships, or other worksites that the Minister of Labor deems to be hazardous.

Nevertheless, child labour seems to be happening despite some effort by the state to clamp down on it. In 2007 the government took measures to address this practice, such as ensuring children's attendance in school, penalizing parents who failed to enroll their children, and educating formal sector employers on child labor issues. More efforts are needed.

This story is a reminder of how in search of its own survival and pursuit of profit, humanity is sometimes willing to disregard the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in its mist.

“Gem Slaves: Tanzanite’s Child Labour” is produced by IRIN Films and will be aired on Thursday, the 24^th of May 2012  on Special Assignment at 21h10 on SABC 3.

KoKoCheriÉ says: KNOW YOUR GEMSTONES

Many precious and semiprecious stones are used for jewellery. Among them are:

Amber

Amber, an ancient organic gemstone, is composed of tree resin that has hardened over time. The stone must be at least one million years old to be classified as amber, and some amber can be up to 120 million years old.

Amethyst

Amethyst has historically been the most prized gemstone in the quartz family. It is treasured for its purple hue, which can range in tone from light to dark

Emerald

Emeralds are one of the three main precious gemstones (along with rubies and sapphires) and are known for their fine green to bluish green colour. They have been treasured throughout history, and some historians report that the Egyptians mined emerald as early as 3500 BC.

        Spanish emerald and gold pendant at - Victoria Albert Museum

Jade

Jade is most commonly associated with the colour green but can come in a number of other colours, as well. Jade is closely linked to Asian culture, history, and tradition, and is sometimes referred to as the stone of heaven.

Jasper

Jasper is a gemstone of the chalcedony family that comes in a variety of colours. Often, jasper will feature unique and interesting patterns within the coloured stone. Picture jasper is a type of jasper known for the colours (often beiges and browns) and swirls in the stone’s pattern.

Quartz

Quartz refers to a family of crystalline gemstones of various colours and sizes. Among the well-known types of quartz are rose quartz (which has a delicate pink colour), and smoky quartz (which comes in a variety of shades of translucent brown). A number of other gemstones, such as Amethyst and Citrine, are also part of the quartz family. Rutilated quartz is a popular type of quartz containing needle-like inclusions.

Ruby

Rubies are known for their intense red colour and are among the most highly valued precious gemstones. Rubies have been treasured for millennia. In Sanskrit, the word for ruby is ratnaraj, meaning king of precious stones.

Sapphire

The most popular form of sapphire is blue sapphire, which is known for its medium to deep blue colour and strong saturation. Fancy sapphires of various colours are also available. In the United States, blue sapphire tends to be the most popular and most affordable of the three major precious gemstones (emerald, ruby, and sapphire).

Turquoise

Turquoise is found in only a few places on earth, and the world’s largest turquoise producing region is the southwest United States. Turquoise is prized for its attractive colour, most often an intense medium blue or a greenish blue, and its ancient heritage. Turquoise is used in a great variety of jewellery styles. It is perhaps most closely associated with southwest and Native American jewellery, but it is also used in many sleek, modern styles. Some turquoise contains a matrix of dark brown markings, which provides an interesting contrast to the gemstone’s bright blue colour.

Some gemstones (like pearls, coral, and amber) are classified as organic, meaning that they are produced by living organisms. Others are inorganic, meaning that they are generally composed of and arise from minerals.^[13]

Some gems, for example, amethyst, have become less valued as methods of extracting and importing them have progressed. Some man-made gems can serve in place of natural gems, such as cubic zirconia, which can be used in place of diamond.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewellery

The History of HandMade African Jewellery - Beauty & Glam - Bea-D-azzliÑ

A little history with love from KoKoCheriÉ :

Recognised for its beautiful natural colours, strong shapes, detail and spiritual significance, handmade African jewellery remains stylish and highly sought after all over the world.

                                           Randille Warrior

Jewellery from this continent began thousands of years ago in Egypt, and over the years evolved from beads crafted from eggs and other simple materials to working with metals, stones, glass and other materials that symbolized wealth and spiritual standing in a tribe or African community.

Early History:

                    Nyala Tribe - Mali (an example of African craftsmanship)

The earliest handcrafted beads found in Africa date to more than 75,000 years ago. Creating jewellery hundreds of years before their counterparts in Europe, the Middle East and America, African artisans get the credit for producing the world's first jewellery.

                          

Egyptian Beads:

Egypt was the first country to produce a large variety of beads, with beadwork in Egypt dating back to 2200 B.C. Using various natural materials, artisans carved beads not only for necklaces, but attached beadwork to decorate linen and papyrus as well as belts, aprons and sandals. Egyptians produced jewellery using a technique that threaded single beads together by hand rather than using a loom. This handmade process made each jewellery piece different from the next with great attention to colour, design and durability.

15th Century:

During the 15th century, artists in Nigeria (then called the Kingdom of Benin) developed beads made of stone. At the bequest of Oba Eware the Great, the ruler of Benin, craftsmen and women carved stone beads for the royal court. According to the Trade Beads of Africa website, stone beads were considered so precious and important in the Benin kingdom that no chief was allowed to visit Oba (the king) unless he wore bead necklaces; if he lost them, he could be punished by death. The king's beaded wardrobe developed with new varieties of beads and jewellery up to the 17th century, when the royal court wore costumes exclusively made of coral and stone beads including skirts, shirts and crowns.

Bumi Tribe - Ethiopia (example of beautifully made traditional pieces)

European Trade:

When European explorers and traders arrived in West Africa in the early 15th century, they noted an abundance of gold jewellery, beaded necklaces and bracelets worn by all of the African people.

           - Gold, Metal, Beaded Jewellery pieces - Exquisite

Europeans bartered with Africans for glass beads in exchange for incense, ivory, tortoiseshell, rhinoceros horn, palm and coconut oils, and gold from other regions of the world.

 

Cultural Symbolism:

  According to the Black History Pages, a website describing African and African-American traditions, Africans wore beads to express rank, stances on religion, politics and artistic attitudes, and also used them as currency. Cowrie shells--small, smooth, freckled shells--were the most popular currency in Africa. Egyptians regarded the shells as magical agents and used them when bartering with foreigners. Archaeologists have excavated millions of them in the tombs of the Pharaohs. The Europeans were especially astonished that the Africans preferred cowrie shells to gold coins. Valued for their durability and their shape (thought to symbolize female fertility), owrie shells have a long history in African trade and jewellery-making.

 

Materials Used:

African artisans first used animal teeth, shells and eggs to create necklaces, crowns, bracelets, rings and so on. Other natural materials developed into jewellery include bronze, copper and gold as well as precious and semiprecious stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. While diamonds were plentiful in the country, Africans typically did not value them as much because they were colourless.

 

Interesting Facts:

Archaeologists have found beads and beaded necklaces buried with kings and chiefs in ancient African graves. Owning and wearing old African jewellery is believed to provide hope, wisdom and well-being to its owner.

Read more: The History of Handmade African Jewellery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_7229222_history-handmade-african-jewelry.html#ixzz1t3ohnqGA

             ............ Let us all Bea-D-azzliÑ - Proudly African ..............

Bea-D-AzzliÑ African Designers

1.)Brand - Christie Brown
Founder - Aisha Obuobi

 Is a Ghanaian based luxury women’s clothing/fashion brand:

"A Luxury Fashion Brand Celebrating a Fabulous Fusion of Timeless Style.."

Abrand whose aim is to satisfy the urge "of that modern woman who seeks a true taste of Africa". Their aim is to infuse a modern and distinct twist into the use of traditional African print, making it acceptable the world over; to allow women the world over to experience the culturally rich and opulent side of Africa without having to compromise their personal style, way of life or culture.

Christie Brown was founded in March 2008 and has since gone on to win the several global awards; The Emerging Designer of the Year Award for the year 2009 at the inaugural Arise Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa. Christie Brown was also the only Ghanaian designer chosen to showcase in the Arise L'Afrique- a- Porter, in Paris as part of Paris Fashion Week in March 2010. At the 2010 Africa Economic Forum hosted by Columbia University, Christie Brown was invited to sit on the panel for "African Fashion Going Global"; a discourse on making African Fashion a recognizable global industry.

           Alicia Keys for Vibe Magazine in Christie Brown Strand necklace!

With many magazine features to boast of(Arise(UK),Canoe 53 Sails, Black Hair(UK), Destiny(SA), Sawubona (In flight magazine for SAA) , Aisha Obuobi, founder of the label was listed as one of the women set to make headlines in 2010 in a feature published in the international edition of Glamour magazine. http://christiebrownonline.com/
Check out her facebook page as well.

2.)Brand - Shourouk

Founder - Shourouk Rhaiem

"It began when she saw her first embroideries on the Galliano catwalk fall/winter in 2007."

Shourouk’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection of colorful and sassy necklaces have been showcased in Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute-couture shows and blockbuster films. .

haute-couture shows and blockbuster films. .

Working method:

"First of all, I like to be surrounded by beautiful objects, I collect books, images, vintage headpieces, I always bring something back from my trips. It can be indian bangles I bought on a market in Bombay, or vintage carafes from Thailand. Starting from this, I manipulate my materials, I do some sketches but it’s more about playing with the crystals. A collection always  starts from a new technique which is driving the creative process, for exemple we’re now making our own colored crystals or we’re finding different ways to bride a friendship bracelet. At the end, a piece is finished is when the embroidery is done, when I know there is not one crystal I would like to move."

 Shourouk is of Tunisian origin, she is having great success around the world: Sarah Jessica Parker wears her jewellery in her new movie.

Inspiration:"I get inspired by many things, borned in Paris, I feel like a true parisian girl, I like the classicism of the city mixed with the big melting-pot of cultures you find in each area. Also, my studio is next to the , the contemporary art museum, this is my area, I find a lot of my materials there and I like this edgy atmosphere.

VougueTalent: Elisa Pervinca Bellini

Published:

02/22/2012

Bea-D-azzliÑ - African Couture - GLAMMARIZED - The "Mickaël Kra" way

KoKoCheriÉ says:

My Favourite designs thus far are from Africa.....Influenced by the beauty and culture, carved and influenced by the beauty of traditional pieces found all over our marvellous continent.

The South, Central, East, West and North have such richNess, are so diverse in creations. No one piece is the same, nor is any design from any tribe the same.

Proud am I to be adorned - feel glamourized in these absolutely exquisite pieces.

Mickaël Kra’s shows us what beauty and creativity is .... How to adorn beautiful women.... making one feel like The Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra.

"Mickaël Kra's designs are lavish; dripping with strand upon strand of luscious shimmering beads and sparkling jewels that are intertwined, woven and strung together with traditional beads and ornaments, and sensuously adorn the head, neck, wrists and body. His first collection saw the adaptation of gold weights used in the ancient Ashanti Kingdom, entitled 'Queen Poku' the collection brought Mickaël recognition for his creativity and talent, starting an illustrious career that has seen him work with some of the world's leading haute couture houses creating the jewels to complement the clothes. The level of detail and workmanship has resulted in some truly stunning creations.... "African DayDreams webpage" http://www.africandaydreams.com/index.html

   ....................................... Bea-D-azzliÑ .....................................................

KokoCheriÉ says be-Bea-D-azzliÑ ....... "WITH" a difference!! ... Aspire to Inspire

KoKoCheriÉ says - Aspire to Inspire: Whether the difference you are making is @home, in Africa, around the world ... with 1 person or many people, Big or Small --- takin on a supportive role .... the point is you are making "a" difference.
                                                   
- here is a beautiful clip about people making a difference .... wit sum Glam -                                        Bea-D-azzliÑ

"A project in South Sudan - People makin a Diff"

 

                      Mrs. Jimmy Carter gettiN Bea-D-azzliN wit a diff.

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Anyieth D’Awol earned her LLB in Law and LLM in Human Rights from Leicester University in the United Kingdom. She has worked as an independent researcher for the Clingendael Institute documenting HIV/AIDS in post-conflict South Sudan.  She has also written on women’s rights.  Anyieth is the author of a chapter on sexual violence in Hope, Pain and Patience: The Women of South Sudan edited by Freiderike Bubenzer and Orly Stern.
In 2006-7 and 2009-9 Anyieth was a Human Rights Officer for UNMIS (United Nations Mission in Sudan). “We were doing so-called capacity building, but we kept seeing the same people.” Anyieth has said. “Why don’t we do something practical, teach people to take care of themselves?” In 2009 she founded the ROOTS PROJECT with the aim of providing a secure environment for women to pursue economic independence through tribal crafts.
Anyieth is South Sudanese by birth. She has lived in Norway, Tanzania, China, England and Sudan. Anyieth is also a US citizen.

http://vimeo.com/37170015

VOLUNTEER

The following are some of the many ways you can help by volunteering.
Host a jewelry show – Members of the centre make a range of beautiful jewelry items, from contemporary to traditional jewelry pieces that are priced from $30 to $200+. Many of these are one of a kind and represent the work of the various tribes of South Sudan; Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk and Mundari.
Recommend other jewelry sale opportunities including internationally focused community events, church mission fairs, etc.
Hold a fundraiser – The women’s center provides adult education and meals for the members and their young children.
- $800 provides meals for 60 women and their children for 1 month
- $250 provides adult education for the women for 1 month
Holiday Gifts – This holiday season encourage your family and friends to make their gifts a donation to the ROOTS PROJECT.
Use your talents in South Sudan – If you are a teacher, health care professional, childcare specialist, accountant, there are opportunities for you to volunteer in Juba, South Sudan. Bring your skill to help those in need on spring or summer break and learn about yourself as well.
If you are interested in these or other volunteer activities contact us by email at rootsofsouthsudan@gmail.com or call Frank or Pam McKulka at 425 557 0725. http://www.rootsofsouthsudan.org/take-action/volunteer/

                                           Inspiring Stories

                                                               Mary Padar
Mary Padar, who is from the Dinka tribe of Lakes State, had been associated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army since 1984. She cooked and moved with the military until she was demobilized from the military in 2010. The ROOTS PROJECT recruited her as part of a social reintegration program. As a member she is known as a “haboba” or grandmother and is the only one who knows how to make the beautiful Dinka corsets. She is teaching this traditional art to younger members. She has twelve children.

                      
                                          Men & Women of The Roots

                                            FUNDING NEEDS

The mission of the ROOTS PROJECT is to bring women and men together across the varied tribes of South Sudan to promote understanding, peace and to provide an opportunity for economic independence. These activities require a safe facility for the members to meet and work and educational opportunities for themselves and their children. This is a country where 92% of the women are illiterate. The future funding needs include sustaining the Juba centre and expanding the concept to other cities in South Sudan.
Ongoing and future needs for the Juba centre include the following:

• Adult education for women at the centre. Funding will provide the resources for literacy and numeracy training for 1 month – $250
•  Meals for 60 women plus their young children for 1 month – $800
• Funding for 1 year of a new maternal and child education and health services program – $5000
• In addition to the needs of the Juba Centre, the ROOTS PROJECT hopes to expand its proven model to other cities in the Republic of South Sudan. Each new center start-up requires an initial investment of $25,000 for rent and renovations, transportation, communication and non-food items.

http://www.rootsofsouthsudan.org/take-action/funding-needs/

"Exclusive-Glamour"

      KokoCheriÉ  says:

Exclusive ..... go for a piece that says much about you, about your unique sense of style ... get "Noticed".. stop sum traffic.... The Roots Project helpin us to be exclusively-noticed wit this beautiful piece.

Glamourised ..... glam it up, whether formal dinner, @the office --- make sure to be "Gloamourously-noticed" ... miss Trya hittn us with sum glam-pearls.

    Bea-D-azzliÑ