(This is one in a series about fair trade artisans around the world. They are all employed by groups partnering with Trades of Hope, with which I’m a Compassionate Entrepreneur. The text in these entries are the words of Trades of Hope. If you purchase any Trades of Hope product after clicking a link in this entry, I receive a commission. Please see my World Changer post for more info.)

When illness brought Margaret to the brink of death, she feared what would happen to her little boy, Sam. As a single mother living in the slums of Uganda, she was already marginalized and vulnerable. In Africa, single moms like Margaret often become victims of oppression, AIDS, and extreme poverty. Margaret worried that her son would become an orphan. Unable to care for herself or her son, Margaret was desperate and alone. Until one woman planted a seed of hope in another woman’s life… and it continues to grow and multiply.

Katie Davis Majors, the young founder of a local beading circle, took Margaret into her home and cared for her until she recovered. For over six months, Katie provided a safe place for Margaret to heal and prepare for a new life of purpose and growth. Over time… little by little… bead by bead… Margaret grew into a skilled artisan.

As an artisan creating jewelry for Trades of Hope, Margaret’s life has become both hopeful and fruitful. Margaret has discovered and cultivated her unique gifts and abilities that make her special and valuable to her community. One of the only English-speaking members of their community, Margaret gratefully “gives back” by helping as a translator.

Margaret has become the voice of hope in the slums of Uganda as she shares her experience with other women, encouraging them to grow and cultivate their own gifts and abilities. Every time Margaret shares her story, she plants another seed of hope for future generations.

The 2,874 fruit trees provided in February through our Planting Hope incentive will continue to multiply and produce more seeds for many years to come. Every single seed can impact a family for generations. Like the seeds of the fruit trees, one seed of hope can grow and multiply in a community for generations. Katie planted a single seed of hope in Margaret’s life – who planted many seeds of hope in the lives of other women in their community.

Will you be the one woman who planted a seed of hope in another woman’s life?