Artisans Stories

Artisans Stories
    
Ms. Sanh radiates resilience and determination. As a newlywed, Ms. Sanh left behind trees and rice paddies for the exciting crowds and picture shows of the big city.Losing her husband in the war brought years of turmoil trading porridge, duck eggs and fruit to support her five children. At age 75, she now works for Mai Handicrafts, making Ten Thousand Villages best selling traditionally dressed dolls at home where she lives with her son and his family. She has traded a life of hard labor for the joy of watching her twelve-year-old grandson grow and dream of becoming an architect. She is earning a livelihood with dignity. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Mai Handicrafts works with more than 150 artisans. The majority of artisans are women and ethnic minority groups. Social workers Thai Thi Le Khanh and Le Phuong My started the program in 1990 to help children who lacked the legal papers and tuition to attend school. Children, ages 12 to 15, learned sewing and embroidery skills and attended informal classes for literacy training. Now that all children are admitted to formal school for free, Mai Handicrafts provides work for their mothers and sisters to improve family income and well-being. My and Khanh both exhibit a deep dedication to fair trade. Their hard work and sincerity is truly making a difference in the lives of artisans.