Lao Weaving Artisans - Micro Credit Project

SEDA's women weaving members has been produces over 30 different type of patents and colors.  Currently, we are in processing with Lao government to request this sample to be sent out for promotion in Europe and USA.  200 meters of samples will be shipped by air cargo.  We are hoping that more order will comes through soon. We are hoping these samples will help generate income for women and recycle microfinancing within their own community so, we would not request for any further assistance.  In this way, SEDA's women member can become sustainable within their program as well as their community. 

SEDA has trained women members to work together in a friendly environment, to help each other within their own community and to become sustainable not just for themselves, but for next generations.  SEDA has accepted the members’ children to join the youth program which receives training in the head quarter offices; so, they can give back to their own community and many other communities too. 
 
How can this women’s group continue to grow and support the community?   We will need your support and more donations to help SEDA continue to offer support to new members during these holidays and year 2011.  

We are still shorts of funds for administration, loans to women, testing the quality of products that can market demands, etc..  These women have created new designs based on their own ideas.   Women who participated in this program participated in a workshop, exchanged knowledge, shared ideas and lessons and learned from their own experience through microfinancing.  These women have seen great results and have  requested that SEDA continue to raise awareness and funds that are needed to supports 20 other women who are new to the group and need help to achieves similar goals. 

Example:  Currently women who have been tested for pilot project.  This is their result, as one women reply back to SEDA.  Ms Thong said, “If we continue working together as similar program as what we done today, I believes we will continue have more women who will join SEDA as members as well as microfinance program is growing to outreach all of our women in our community.  The program does help my family as I get enough money to help buy food for my family, school supplies for my children.  I also want to help be a role model for my community and hope that everyone can adopt me as a good example.  Last, I want to thank you to SEDA and many donors who support us and hope that they can continue to supports program to outreach to help other women too.” 

Today, SEDA has more than 20 new members joining the women’s program, but SEDA is still short of funds to cover for new members.  SEDA is urge all donors, supporters and fans if you can contribute in dollar to help the program continue for next year in 2011.   Many thanks for your generosity and kindness during these holidays.

For more photos of textile visit on facebook or website links:
 www.seda-laos.org
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=186741&id=93076021515 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=136198&id=93076021515 

10th of September took place a workshop in Ban Hay Village, 790 camp, where 23 participants formed their community policy and steering committee. Women are divided to 4 groups, each has a leader, an assistant and a secretary. Each group will manage the micro credit and assure the quality of products. Steering committee will do the overall coordination.

This workshop was a big step towards independent women cooperative. Women had to realize that it’s their responsibility to organize their work together to produce high quality fabrics. Participants had many questions, like when they can sell their products. Souly QuachAngkham, SEDA’s Director replied: “When you have stable cooperative members and you are ready to deliver high quality products and to respond to large orders, then I would say that the marketing won't be the problem”.

It was a big day for women, their motivation and self-confidence raised and they are optimistic about the future. Common cooking and festive lunch helped to build the strong team.

Women were very inspired to design their own logo. Their sketch of logo will be finalized and selected by the end of this year.

SEDA will continue with trainings about technical and business skills, quality control and marketing. For sustainability SEDA is training young trainers and leaders in youth training program, who will implement these trainings with supervision of Souly QuachAngkham.

Women need help with micro credit more than ever, please help to continue the project.

Links:

• Photos of the workshop

The female weavers participating in our micro-credit pilot project recently dropped off their latest batch of handmade fabrics http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=186741&id=93076021515&l=0eab129fd6. The project is now morphing into a long-term one, with the participants currently developing small groups and group policies. After the success of the pilot project in Ban Hay Village, Vientiane province, 20 more women will join the weavers group. In September they will form their own policy and steering committees. SEDA will provide training of technical skills, management, marketing and accounting skills. The aim is to develop sustainable community of weavers and to train them to function independently. SEDA will be consultant and assist in micro credit and marketing. It will also apply for additional funding for investments in production and marketing. Continually SEDA facilitates involvement of new members and creation of new weaving communities. Please help us to continue this important project: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/lao-weaving-artisans-micro-credit-project/