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...

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...

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...

Despite being long forgotten to many in the West, the Lao victims of the Indochina War still struggle with their daily lives. Often with debilitating injuries and unable to work, veterans and their families survive mostly off of a government pension and whatever the women can bring home. Women in Laos suffer more...

“SEDA has provided me with such a great opportunity to gain not only knowledge and marketing, but also to help my family by producing my own income”- micro-credit weaving member. We are pleased to announce that we have welcomed four more women into our textile weaving micro-credit program in recent months. This...

This is Clare Rutz reporting from Vientiane in Laos. As an In-The-Field traveler I was able to see a side of Laos that most backpackers wouldn’t. I was able to talk to the people, visit their homes, and catch a glimpse of their daily lives. SEDA, a small non-profit that reaches out to many different communities with a...

SEDA’s micro finance project is going from strength to strength, but we still need your help to help as many women as possible work their way out of poverty. Interest has been shown by international buyers to purchase the textiles produced by the women of Ban Hai – potentially doubling their traditional earnings. ...

Recent media coverage has shed light on the negative aspects of some micro-credit schemes. SEDA runs a socially responsible program and employs many measures to avoid the pitfalls that have been highlighted. Please read the August 2009 report, “A response to micro-credit critics” for more information about the...

SEDA’s microfinance project continues to grow, helping women from the Vientiane province develop small businesses and generate regular income. Thank you yo everyone who has donated so far to this very worthwhile cause. So far 30 women have signed up to receive the small loans and business training, and SEDA is busy...

SEDA’s partner organizations are reporting that many women in Sungthong District, Vientiane Province are still in need of funding to get their textiles and waving businesses up and running. The Village Bank is short of the funds needed to provide grants. The Village Bank cannot secure loans from commercial banks and...