Yoeurn, age 54, and husband Thoung, 58, smiled broadly as they welcomed us into their home. We sat in the open living/ work space on the ground floor, underneath the raised wooden home above. Yoeurn has been a weaver for almost 40 years. She weaves at home, like many of the women in her commune on an island in the Mekong outside of Phnom Penh. They have seven children, six of whom are still living at home. One daughter is married and has moved away. Two of their daughters, both in their twenties, weave with Yoeurn. One son is grown and working, and three sons still attend school. Thoung is a fisherman.
Yoeurn's loan of $1,000 is being repaid on schedule as of November. This is the second time she has taken out a loan through Maxima Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd. here in Cambodia. This new loan, funded through Kiva, has enabled Yoeurn to get a better price for raw silk as it is now more cost effective to travel to Phnom Penh and buy in bulk. This now ensures that she can keep their three looms supplied and increase both productivity and profits. Yoeurn and her daughters weave a more intricate design that they are able to sell for around $37 to the local buyer. Their profit for each piece is $20 USD each - higher than most as they are able to weave more quickly (only 4 days per piece) without the distraction of young children under their care.
A portion of the loan was also used to purchase new nets for Thoung. Nets are expensive, $100 USD for a large one, but the profits that he is able to make through fishing are considerable. On a good day he can earn 300,000 Riel ($75 USD) - high by Cambodian standards. When he's had a good catch, he usually prepares some of the fish which he is able to sell at the local market for a premium. Thoung says he enjoys fishing as he's able to earn a good income in a small amount of time, leaving him free time to help his wife and daughters.
In the future, if Thoung's business continues to prosper, they hope they will be able to save enough money to expand both their businesses and ensure a secure future for their family. (Photo: Daughter weaving and Father with nets)
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Khsach Kandal district, Cambodia
Nov 7, 2007
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