Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Class sells products geared toward eliminating poverty

Kathleen Ganster did not want to let her University Experience class pick their own community service projects because it would always lead to chaos and last-minute project ideas that never seemed to produce positive outcomes.

This year, Ganster decided to end that nightmare and instead have the class do a project together for an organization aimed to help eliminate poverty by selling handmade beaded jewelry.

“I am so thrilled and excited to be doing a project for BeadforLife because it is really an amazing group,” Ganster said.

This class will be selling products made by BeadforLife on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at stands in both Academic and Lawrence Hall lobbies. The bracelets and necklaces will range in price from $5 to $35, depending on the type of jewelry and how many strands of beads it has.

“Some students may walk away once they see the price, but the bracelets are worth it. They are beautiful, inexpensive and great for holiday gifts,” Ganster said.

BeadforLife is a nonprofit organization where men and women in Uganda make bracelets, necklaces and earrings out of recycled paper to sell. The mission of the organization is to eliminate poverty by creating understanding links between impoverished Africans and concerned citizens around the world.

The beaders are mostly hardworking and intelligent women who have a desire to improve their impoverished lives. The jewelry comes in different bright, vibrant colors such as blues, yellows and reds, and the sizes and the number of beaded strands also vary so there is a lot to choose from.

Freshmen broadcasting majors Dallas Sauers and Nate Zerambo are part of Ganster’s University Experience class and both have been heavily involved in the planning of this event since day one of classes.

“I have a radio show and I’ve been announcing it on there just trying to get people to come,” Zerambo said.

In addition to promoting their community service project through the radio and television airwaves on campus, the class has also created a Facebook page and made posters. The students believe that getting the word out is very important.

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