Thailand North East, Isan Weaving and Regina Centres
In 1981 the Good Shepherd Sisters came to Nongkhai. Working at first in the border camps, they had a good understanding of the local people. Also, having worked in Bangkok since 1965 with the women who had migrated to the city from the rural areas, they understood the pressures on rural families in trying to satisfy their most basic needs.
It was clear to the Sisters that these people, disadvantaged in so many ways, had no choices available to them. Lacking an education or training of any sort, employment opportunities were limited. So the Sisters, working with the Isan people, implemented development projects which have to this day, been a source of empowerment, improving the quality of life for all involved.
To enable young girls and women to remain with their families and in their village communities, rather than moving to the cities in search of work, the sisters began a handicraft making centre in Nongkhai.
Later, a second centre was established in the village of Huai Sai ( 45 kms away )and a third more recently in the village of Don Wai ( 20 kms away ), where other aspects of production are carried out. Regina 80 women , Huai Sai 62 women , Don Wai 30 women Weavers in the Village receive training and employment at the three centres.
The centres offer opportunities for those employed to provide for their families and to further their own education. Approximately 205 other women, who are caring for young children at home, are offered work to do in their own home.
Women are taught to embroider, smock and use sewing machines to produce a vast range of saleable items…clothing, bags, accessories, household items.
Producers depend on sales for the crafts to promote the welfare of their families.
The women involved in the project are trained to take responsibility for management in all areas related to craft production, decision – making, accountancy , invoicing, quality control, packing, salaries and supervision. This teaches them to start a small business on their own when an opportunity occurs.
All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers.
If you are visiting North-east Thailand and wish to visit the centres and purchase products there, information can be obtained through the Good Shepherd Sisters on:
Phone: 66 - 42- 411861 Fax: 66-42-462382
E-mail: goodshepherdnongkhai@yahoo.com
Here is a selection of their products
Click here for more products
Because of the poor soil conditions and the lack of sufficient rain to grow good rice harvests, many people fromthe Isan region leave their villages after rice harvest and go to Bangkok in search of work. There they hope to find employment as construction workers, hotel maids, taxi drivers and, for some young women, sex workers. There are approximately 2 million people from the Isan region working in Bangkok. Other Isan people become overseas contract workers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Middle East countries and Europe as housekeepers, hair dressers, waitresses, and in the textile industry
