A Sewing Venture in Ban Xai, Lao PDR
Last year I was fortunate to be able to represent MiVAC on the remote village site of Ban Xai in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. MiVAC’s mission in the region is to reduce poverty by establishing better water supply, toilets and hygiene practices. MiVAC also is promoting economic development by introducing villagers to new business ventures.
While I was on site last year we invited ladies in the nearby villages to express their interest in being trained in sewing skills. Six enthusiastic young ladies were sponsored to undertake a sewing course in the nearby town of Phonsavan. One of the ladies showed her enthusiasm by topping the course!
MiVAC has decided to assist five of the ladies to establish a business in making children’s school uniforms and other items for sale locally and for the tourist trade.
The venture was launched in a room built and decorated for the purpose at the MiVAC farm in Ban Xai. MiVAC fitted out the work place with sewing machines, overlocker, iron, tables and all the required materials for the uniforms. MiVAC also sponsored the venture for three months, to enable it to become self –supporting.
The photos show the newly renovated premises and a few of the ladies who are contributing in the venture. The third photo shows two children are modelling school uniforms that were prepared by the ladies.
Hugh Hamlyn-Harris