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— A PROJECT VISIT IN THE MEKONG DELTA « Our commitment to Mekong Plus has started in January 2013. The association accompanies women in rural areas in the Mekong Delta to provide them with a gainful and sustainable employment. Mekong Plus supports beneficiaries through handicraft production, micro-credit, training and education. Mekong Plus has developed a unique community based approach that contributes to women’s independence. Last July, in Ho Chi Minh, we met many of them. They are trained and employed by Mekong Quilts and Mekong Creation, two social enterprises launched by Mekong Plus. They produce original creations, such as quilts, bamboo handicrafts, that are sold in Mekong Plus shops and markets. All profits are returned to villages for further community development projects. We have talked with many women entrepreneurs who have received a microcredit. One of them had just received a first loan to start her own fish farming business, another, a financial support to build a greenhouse for agriculture. Another key issue is training. Mekong Plus has set up a women’s rights education program to raise awareness on domestic violence. We will support this project until end of 2015.» A woman’s Journey More information on www.mekongplus.org
