When we arrived at the home of Pon-lork, 27, the loan officer and I could barely be heard above the clatter of power looms all around. The village of Kean Svay is known for its production of "kro-mah", the ubiquitous checked cloth of Cambodia that's used for everything from a head wrap, to sarong, to satchel and more. Kro-mah don't demand the delicacy of weaving with silk so the women of the village switched over to using power looms several years ago to increase their output.
Pon-lork's loan of $1,000 is being repaid on schedule as of November. This is the first time she has taken out a loan through Maxima Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd. here in Cambodia. This new loan, funded through Kiva, has enabled her to purchase cotton thread in bulk from Phnom Penh and thereby increase her profits. The cost of thread for one loom is $300 USD. With this, it is possible to produce around 1,200 kro-mah. Pon-lork also used a portion of the loan to buy a used loom ($350 USD, for a total of two) which she now hires an employee (neighbor) to help her run for 4,000 Riel ($1 USD per day). In a typical week, Pon-lork says she can weave between 400-500 kro-mah. She brings these to one of the large markets in Phnom Penh where she can sell them to the vendors for 1,550 Riel a piece (0.38 USD).
When I asked Pon-lork how long she's been weaving, she explained that she's only been doing this for 2 years. Her mother started 3 years ago and found it profitable, so Pon-lork began learning from her in the evenings. A year later, she quit her job at the local government-run garment factory and bought her first loom. She says that now that she was able to buy a second loom, thanks to the loan, profits have increased even more and their income is good. Her family can now even afford to visit private doctors when they're sick. Pon-lork is married with two young children, ages 6 and 8, who are both attending the local primary school. The oldest is now also taking English lessons at a private school.
In the future, Pon-lork hopes to continue expanding her business to ensure that she will be able to provide a good education for her children. It is her goal to save enough so that they can be schooled in Phnom Penh and have more opportunity.
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Kean Svay district, Cambodia
Nov 12, 2007
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Comments
Hello Pon-Lork,
Hope business is good and the children are OK, it's great to hear you're doing well. Wish you good luck from France.
Sandrine, Thomas (7) and Mimi (2)
Posted by sandrine, thomas and mimi gognau from France
Nov 23, 2007
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