By Donna Lednicky | Director of Marketing and Development
As part of our handicraft development programme, TAEC works closely with artisans from diverse ethnic groups who live in rural villages in Laos. We are in constant contact with them, by phone, text message, and in person! In late August, Khoun Soutthivilay, Co-Director of TAEC, and Tou Xaikongpheng, our Stock Manager, traveled south to visit some of our artisan partners in Champassak, Salavan, and Savannakhet Provinces.
Over seven days, Khoun and Tou visited four of our partner villages and two new villages to meet with Katu, Lao, Phou Tai, and Ta Oy artisans. Did you know that TAEC represents more than 600 independent artisans who sell their products at TAEC shops?
In many communities, mothers teach their daughters traditional skills such as using natural dyes to color thread and how to weave the thread into fabric. Traditionally, these skills would benefit the family and the village community. Today while still living in their home village, artisans can sell their handicrafts for supplementary cash income. By purchasing products at a fair price and promoting them in our fair trade shops, TAEC connects ethnic artisans to the market and supports the livelihoods of rural people based on their traditional skills.
TAEC aims to visit every village we work with on a regular basis. With over 30 villages spread out across Laos and with mountainous terrain and limited road infrastructure, this can be a challenge. By visiting in person, we build our relationships and show our support to the communities. We meet new artisans who want to join with us and we can provide advice to assure high quality craftsmanship, explain customer expectations, and place special orders.
Cost of One Week of Travel = $1,126
Direct financial benefit to the villages from the August 2015 Handicraft Trip = $3,800
TAEC also places orders throughout the year according to demand in our fair sales shops.
On this trip, Khoun and Tou also traveled to two villages we have not worked with before, Ban Saman and Ban Saphai in Champassak Province. Traveling to Ban Saman requires a 30 minute boat ride from Ban Saphai to arrive on the river island. Here Lao artisans create silk ikat fabric with traditional motifs; only a handful of weavers still know the traditional patterns. We commissioned three sample pieces and we look forward to receiving the ikat fabric the artisans have made for us. We hope to add this village to our network, to benefit the rural artisans and to introduce their traditional skills to the visitors of TAEC.
Thank you! With your help we are able to reach more communities. Follow us on Facebook to see more of our work and let us know what you think!
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