Abigail Asana Abianka

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I'm Abigail Asana Abianka from the northern area of Ghana. My friends say I am truthful, God-fearing and ambitious.

When I was a student in the university, I delivered my third child on a day I had exams on language and speech deviation, which I didn't want to defer. I wrote this paper six hours after giving birth, but I passed successfully and was really glad.

"I craft beaded fashion jewelry in bright colors with eco-friendly materials. I use chevron beads, bamboo, raffia roots, beads of recycled glass and plastic, and bone. I buy most of my materials with the exception of bamboo, which I make myself.

"I am self-taught and my jewelry art arose through my own imaginative ways. Later I went to the university to study art and education, where I specialized in bead making and underwent training for six months.

"This art is a talent in me, which gives me so much passion! Starting on my own took me courage because I had people discouraging me. They'd tell me about all the challenges they faced with this craft. But I didn't give up.

"Constant practice is essential and, in this way, I mastered my art. I enjoy exploring new ideas to make unique and creative designs. My family sometimes helps me with arranging the beads for me to do the finishing.

"When I run short of materials and have to wait for long periods before getting some more, this makes it challenging for me. I look out for materials, color, blending, and rhythm of design and, when I have others assist me in the crafting process, I take special care with the finishing.

"Admiration and appreciation of my finished jewelry is a great incentive and always makes me happy.

"Currently, I am teaching vulnerable students in the basic school who have shown an interest in bead making. I've been able to create some jobs for young people in the community.

"My dream is to establish a vocational school to support people with disabilities, the defenseless and the poor and help them achieve self-empowerment."