Sarorn, 47, and welcomed us in to her home the other day and wiped off a spot for us to sit on the ubiquitous bamboo sofa/bed/table. We sat in the open living/ work space on the ground floor, underneath the raised thatched home above. Sarorn is married with five children, ages 7-18, who are all attending local schools. Her husband is a construction contractor who builds homes in the commune. Sarorn learned to weave from her mother nearly 30 years ago. She says it's been good for her as it allows her to be at home raising her family.
Sarorn's loan of $200 is being repaid on schedule as of December. This is the third time she has taken out a loan through Maxima Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd. here in Cambodia. This new loan, funded through Kiva, has enabled Sarorn 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 $2.00 USD per day.
Though Cambodia woven goods are in increasing demand, both from locals and tourists, the prices the buyers pay for completed products have not compensated the weavers for this increase. Most weavers we met, like Sarorn, complained that they require the loans just to get by as any profits they make must go back in to purchasing new materials or providing for their family's basic needs. Still, she says, her situation has improved and she is happy.
In the future, Sarorn will teach her young daughter to weave though she emphasized she wants her to have a good education. That way, she can make the choice to do what she wants. She is saving to give her sons a higher education too. Her oldest son told us that he wants to be a teacher. (Photo: Sarorn with children)
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Khsach Kandal district, Cambodia
Dec 5, 2007
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