Bark Cloth & Recycled Paper

The artisans with whom we work are located just outside Kampala, the economic if not actual, capital of Uganda. Here, in a serene setting with a view of a Lake Victoria, a group of about 15 women and men combine bark cloth with recycled paper to make items such as journals, photo albums and picture frames.

The workshop is run by an energetic and personable woman named Harriet Nantale. Though young in years Harriet has great management skills and the artisans really enjoy working with her. In addition to their good wages, the artisans also get daily transport to the workshop, are provided with a midday meal and have access to informal "day care" where their young children can be looked after. While the bark cloth is purchased in the local market, the recycled paper is made on the premises.

Making pulp Paper Drying Press

About every 2 weeks a truckload of office paper from the UN and other large organizations in Kampala is delivered to the workshop. Here the paper is mixed with local fibers, e.g., pineapple tops and elephant grass, to make recycled paper that is both good for the environment and has unique patterns and textures.

Paper making requires several steps. First, natural fibers are gathered and "cooked," after which the fibers are blended with office paper to make pulp. Next, the concoction is rinsed and filtered through screens made of fine mosquito netting. Once all the water has drained the still damp sheet of recycled paper is put in the sun to dry.

The dry paper is then "pressed" for several hours using a specially designed machine that makes the paper smooth enough for writing. Finally, the paper is ready to be trimmed and added to a notebook or used for other items.