31 Bits is a social enterprise that empowers people in Uganda through the fashion industry. They work with beneficiaries to create fashionable, quality products that beneficiaries earn an income from. Beneficiaries are supported through counseling, health education, finance training, and business mentorships over 5 years, after which they graduate and start their own business. The enterprise values love, equality, hope, honesty, quality, and growth and makes beads from recycled paper that beneficiaries cut, roll, and string into designs.

1. 31 Bits
“”One bead at a time.”

2. Mission
Using fashion and design to empower people to
rise above poverty.

3. Our Model
Our model is to empower people through the fashion industry. We work with our
beneficiaries in Uganda to create fashionable, quality products. They earn an
income enabling them to provide for their families. We care for them holistically
through counseling, health education, finance training, and business mentorships.
After five years in our program, our beneficiaries are ready to graduate. A
graduated beneficiary has her own business and is educated, healthy, and
confident. She is empowered.

5. Values

6. LOVE
Because love stems from Jesus and is a catalyst
for positive change.

7. EQUALITY
Because equality promotes dignity,
respect, and self-worth
for all people.

8. HOPE
Because hope is the belief
that something good can
and will happen.

9. HONESTY
Because honesty demonstrates integrity and ensures trust
and transparency.

10. QUALITY
Because quality requires
exceptional performance.
Our beneficiaries deserve
to use their skills and our
customers deserve great products.

11. GROWTH
Because growth requires us to be constant learners,
dreamers, innovators, and activists. We’re committed to
striving for excellence in all aspects of our company.

13. The Process
Our beads are made from recycled paper…that’s right…PAPER! Our beneficiaries
cut unused posters, advertisements, and text book pages into long strips. They roll
the strips tightly and coat them in a water-based varnish. The varnish hardens the
beads as well as provides a protective coating. The beads are then strung into a
design, or sewn onto one of our embroidered pieces. You’ll also find other
materials used in our products like funky printed fabrics and beautiful shades of
leather. 99% of our materials are sourced in Eastern Africa, supporting local
markets.