The Acp jewellery by Angelica, Camilla and Paola helps African women
Milanese flair, Lombard resourcefulness and solidarity, a connection with an organisation and its mission to help African women experience motherhood without risking their lives. A wonderful project, that of Angelica Sacchi, Camilla Conti and Paola Montagna. Three friends who came across Medici con l’Africa Cuamm and decided to take concrete, hands-on action to support the work of this NGO, one of the most highly regarded in Italia for promoting and protecting the health of people living in Africa. Not in every country, given the vastness of the continent and the many differences between regions and nations: ‘Since the launch of our jewellery brand, we have contributed to projects in four of the nine countries where Medici con l’Africa Cuamm operates,’ explain Angelica, Camilla and Paola, revealing the mutual understanding and affection born of a long friendship. Specifically, Angola, Mozambique, South Sudan and Tanzania, although the NGO is also present in Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Sierra Leone and Uganda, with a total of over 3,400 field workers, 273 of whom are Italian.”
The brand’s full name is Acp con Cuamm: the founders used the initials of their respective names but also made it clear that the project has a single objective: to provide practical support to the NGO. “Once the costs of materials and the artisans’ labour have been deducted, every penny goes towards funding initiatives in Africa, and those who buy the jewellery are given a donation receipt, valid for a tax deduction,” say Angelica, Camilla and Paola. It all started with bone horns mounted as pendants and numbered, because no two are alike. Then came brooches, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, inspired by nature and to which we attach meanings or messages.”
In less than three years, Acp with Cuamm, thanks to word of mouth and an Instagram page whose followers are growing day by day, has sold jewellery that has contributed to housing projects for students at the nursing school in Rumbek (South Sudan), the purchase of an autoclave for sterilising surgical instruments at the Inhamizua Health Centre (Mozambique), the provision of free care for 58 diabetes patients at the Tosamaganga clinic (Tanzania), the treatment and care of 133 children suffering from malnutrition, also in Tosamaganga, and support for the Chiulo Hospital Maternity Home in Angola, which provides shelter for pregnant women.
“I’ve been designing jewellery for 40 years and I have a network of artisans I rely on,” says Angelica. I put the same passion and care into the Acp bronze collections as I do into the gold jewellery that bears my name. Camilla and Paola take the same passionate approach to the other aspects of our venture. No one can save the world, but no one can save themselves alone. Alleviating the suffering of others by doing something we are passionate about has a certain magic to it, which perhaps we convey through our jewellery.”
