Photo: Bob SmithChantha Nguon is the co-director of the Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre (SWDC) in Cambodia, which produces silk weavings in traditional Khmer style under the name Mekong Blue.
She attended the Market for the first time this year, and she got in touch to explain the impact her visit has had on the co-operative and its artists.
Sales at the Market contributed 15% of the group’s total income for the year, providing 37 weavers 3 months’ work at wages of between US$100 – $200 per month. (Chantha points out that an elementary school teachers salary in Cambodia is $50/month, while a medical doctor earns $150/month.)
SWDC also used some of their Market income to continue supporting 100 schoolchildren who are relatives of the Mekong Blue weavers.
Each child receives a school uniform, stationery, book bag, shoes and a small budget for other school expenses.
Telling the Story Behind the Products
One valuable lesson Chantha learned in Santa Fe is that visitors are not only looking for unique products, they are also committed to helping the artists improve their lives.
‘The story behind the products seems equally important as the quality of the products,’ she says. ‘I have learned from [Market] volunteers how to tell the story in the most appealing way to make customers understand the value of the products they bought, [and that] their support is not giving to individuals but helps to improve other people’s lives from poor countries.’
Chantha was also moved by the atmosphere at the Market: ‘I can see so much love and support is given toward others, it’s not just to make money but as someone told me when I first arrived at the Market, this is more like a family than trade fair, and it was very true. I was so glad and honored to be part of the Market.’
She adds that normally she is pleased to be heading home after a trip abroad, but this time ‘ I felt sad when I left Santa Fe to come back home.’
Thanks to those who sponsored Chantha to attend the Market, to all those who bought Mekong Blue work, and to the volunteers who helped make her feel so welcome. Your efforts are having a real effect in improving the lives of artists and their families in Cambodia.
SWDC at Work
For more information on the work of the Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre visit: http://www.mekongblue.com/