In close co-operation with CLaSH (the Association for Children with Language Speech and Hearing Impairments of Namibia) PENDUKA hosted a glass beads making workshop. The workshop was facilitated by trainers from Ghana (Cedi and his brother Kudjo Owuso).

The idea for a glass bead project was born in 2004. CLaSH realised the need for income generating projects for deaf adults. Children, who had previously attended the CLaSH pre-school unit and now left school, came back to CLaSH looking for work or training.

CLaSH had learned about the beautiful glass bead production in Ghana. It would be an excellent, ecologically sound and economically viable opportunity to set up a project for the recycling of old glass in Namibia as well.

Fundraising efforts were rewarded when CLaSH won the price for the wackiest idea from the BiD Challenge programme in the Netherlands. The big financial boost, however, came from the French Embassy in Windhoek. 

Owing to their support and with the help of SAA and Bank Windhoek, CLaSH invited two master glass bead makers from Ghana to conduct the first month-long training workshop in Windhoek in November 2005. Penduka supported the initiative and hosted the first training. 13 participants attended the course, nine deaf women, one deaf man and three hearing women from Tsintsabis in Bushmanland. 

Three of the deaf women – Olivia, Rebekka and Maria – and Jafet, the deaf man became the core group of the glass bead production at Penduka, while Scholastika, Elizabeth and Ida set up their own little enterprise at the Tree Sleeper Camp in Tsintsabis.

In March/April 2006 a follow-up training was conducted by Kudjo Owuso from Ghana, refining the previously learned techniques and teaching advanced skills to both groups.

The glass beads produced at Penduka became an integral part of the craft shop and proved to be real best-sellers. The different actions involved in the production can be viewed on a daily basis. The four deaf people have become employees of Penduka and are excellent role models for their colleagues in the deaf community.

Owing to the financial support from various donors and due to the determination and outstanding cooperation of CLaSH and Penduka, the glass bead project has grown to be an enterprise, we are truly proud of.