PEARL Project

The goal of the PEARL project is to help Tanzanian women and men develop sustainable small business enterprises related to half-pearl farming and jewelry making. The keystone part of the project is a six week US fellowship program for tenTanzanian entrepreneurs and extension officers. The fellowship will include training, internships related to oyster and half-pearl culture and jewelry making, home-stays, field trips, and other things that will improve the fellows skills as entrepreneurs. A seccondary goal is to give the fellows a taste of the New England culture and style of life.

The PEARL project has many opportunities for individuals in Rhode Island to volunteer, for example as home stay hosts and internship hosts. The project will also include a half-pearl jewelry design competition, a fund raiser, and other interesting activities.