Gemerocity

Imagine going to college to learn something you’re really interested in–except you’re the ONLY one on campus studying that subject. All your friends are studying other things, and while you get along with them just fine, they can’t quite relate to you fully. It would be kind of lonely, wouldn’t it?

Or, imagine you just found out you’ve been accepted into a great program to learn gem faceting, and you’re thrilled; except now you worry about finding a clean, safe place to live.

These were real problems that students in East Africa were facing, until Gem Legacy stepped up with a solution: why not build a campus in Tanzania that would not only house faceting students, but also Gem Legacy college scholarship recipients too?

Once the beautiful campus is complete, gem faceting students will finally have the chance to be surrounded by peers who are studying the same thing as them, and scholarship recipients won’t have to worry about whether they will find decent housing! Plus, all the students will benefit from expanded equipment and class offerings, as well as improved availability and nutrition of food.

The Gem Faceting School and College Dormitories supports Gem Legacy’s vision to help fill the gap for mining communities in key ways to result in generational impact and holistic life improvement. Gem Legacy is forecasting a 370% increase in annual gem faceting student capacity, which would be huge for East Africa, a region that could absolutely benefit from an influx in young, highly skilled new gem cutters!

The groundwork has begun, but Gem Legacy still needs your help! Here are some current needs:

Or, you can REALLY step up and sponsor one of the 5 remaining dorm rooms for $5,600 each, and join this list of amazing companies and jewelry designers helping to make a tangible difference in Tanzania.

If you’re thinking, “This is great, but what about after these students graduate? Are they able to find jobs?” the answer is a resounding yes!

“While I was still attending class, a Thai businessman was looking for gem cutters. I sent a sample of my work, and he liked them. I finished school on Friday and started work on Monday. It helped me a lot; before I didn’t have any job or business. After I graduated, I immediately started making money from cutting gemstones. At the moment I’m working for four different people and have been given a mine to supervise.”

~Edwin, a Gem Legacy faceting school 2021 graduate

Not only that, but Gem Legacy has committed to stewarding resources well to make the campus as sustainable as possible by implementing solutions such as solar panels instead of generators and traditional electricity and rainwater harvesting instead of relying solely on purchasing water.

I am so proud of my jewelry industry friends at Gem Legacy for the incredible work they continue to do. Join me in celebrating and championing them whenever and however you can!

If you’d like to donate to the campus, click HERE.

Keep sparkling, dear reader.

Onwards and upwards,

Chloe Beaumont