Income Generation Program

Since 1999, KWAT’s income generation program, based mainly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, offers vocational trainings to Kachin women recently rescued from trafficking. They make these products by hand, and KWAT markets them. This program provides them with an opportunity to earn their own independent income for themselves and their children, fostering their self confidence and personal pride. They also make a valuable contribution towards the funding of a number of KWAT programs in both Thailand and Kachin State. Moreover, they help preserve the Kachin culture and foster a sense of pride.

Members of this program make many different products using cloths woven in traditional Kachin patterns and colors: bags and shawls; wall hangers; phone bags, key chains, purses and wallets; belts, neck ties, sarongs and longyi; and many products decorated with small dolls dressed in traditional Kachin costume, in forms of pins, bookmarks, pencils, phone chains, magnets and slippers.

Objectives

• To offer vocational trainings and income opportunities for marginalized Kachin population
• To preserve the Kachin culture and foster pride thereof.