Srey Aun, age 21, smiled shyly as she welcomed us into her home. As we sat down, a pantless toddler walked towards the house, crying, and she picked him up. She's a young mother and obviously devoted to her son. Throughout the interview he repeatedly vied for her attention. Srey Aun has been weaving for 3 years now with the help of a neighbor who taught both she and her sister.
Srey Aun's loan of $100 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 her silk thread from the local middleman in advance, thereby increasing her profits. Previously she had purchased both her loom and materials on credit and received minimal compensation for her labors. Now she is able to earn around $1.50 USD per day. Srey Aun's husband works two seasonal jobs as construction worker and rice farmer, also helping to support the family.
When our conversation turned towards her hopes for the future, Srey Aun explained that both she and her husband only have a sixth grade education. It is their biggest hope that they be able to save enough money to support their children's education through secondary school and beyond to give them a better opportunity for the future.
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Khsach Kandal district, Cambodia
Nov 12, 2007
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