Traidcraft and Christian Aid

On Tuesday 3rd May, the Widnes Christian Aid Society arranged an evening with Ralph Dransfield at Farnworth and he gave a presentation on his Traidcraft "Meet the People" visit to Vietnam. The purpose of these visits is to offer tourism with the opportunity to meet groups that are aided by Traidcraft to develop markets for their skills.

(apologies for the colour - from closed pink curtains)

Ralph in North Vietnamese tunic

Vietnam is "a country of youthful hope" with more than 60% of its population under 25, which means they have no direct experience of the Vietnam War. The trip started in Hanoi, and visited Supa in the north, where an organisation called "Craft Link" is developing "New Markets for Traditional Artisans".

Hanoi

Pagoda

Ha Long Bay

Then on to Ha Long Bay, a magical area of limestone cliffs, islands and inlets; Hue, where "differently abled" persons (including some injured by mines) develop their products and skills. This is a project supported by Traidcraft, and is now receiving government support. From Hue, they moved on to Hoi An, and then Nha Trang, a beach resort. "Mai Handicrafts" have one of their centres there, and street children are given schooling and craft skills. 30% of their sales are via Traidcraft, which illustrates how Traidcraft offers, not only development opportunities, but also market outlets for the crafts. Visits to Ho Chi Min City, and the Mekong Delta brought the trip to an end.

Skills observed during the trip included pottery, furniture and other items of bamboo construction, laquer work, jewellry, weaving in traditional materials and hemp, bamboo, even telephone wire scraps, and also the manufacture of items from recycled paper. Examples of these crafts, purchased by Ralph and Margaret Dransfield, were on display for us to see.

Craft Items

It was an enjoyable and informative evening. There was a stall of Traidcraft products and Traidcraft tea, coffee and biscuits were served at the close.