The past two years have been kinder to Lan than the many she experienced before. Raising four children as a single mother and working long hours in the fields for little pay, Lan was earning just enough to survive, if that.

She lived in a small mud-brick house that leaked when it rained, and didn’t dare buy anything but the bare essentials to decorate it.

Now, two years on as a group leader with Vietnam Quilts, Lan’s life looks quite different. With the security of a monthly salary, she sold her house and was able to buy a block of land and build a new concrete house with a proper roof and all. While she still lives modestly, she could buy a television for her children, and now doesn’t have to worry about where her next meal is coming from.

Before working with Vietnam Quilts, Lan says she knew how to sew a little on the machine, but was never employed to do so. Now, after various training courses in sewing, quilting, colour and pattern design and group management, she heads an efficient and highly capable group of quilters. Her experience has also spilled over into her family, with one of her daughters working in the group and her son working in a clothing factory in a neighbouring town.

Lan’s group has a reputation for consistently producing excellent quality quilts in record time. Her secret as she tells it, is training all her women in all aspects of the production process. Everyone knows how to draw the patterns, cut the fabric, use the sewing machine, quilt the designs and finish the quilt off. When an order comes in, the women decide among themselves how it will be done – they may do a whole quilt themselves, or divide the work among a few. Depending on deadlines, they work to what will be most efficient for everyone. Training everyone in all aspects also ensures there is no delay if someone is ill or unable to work, and gives the women an increased sense of ownership and interest in the work.

For the women in Lan’s group, the benefits of working with Vietnam Quilts are simple – guaranteed work and pay each month, security to plan for the future and the ability to look after their families without the constant worry of where the next meal will come from. On top of this, they work out of the elements, either working close to home or from home if they need to. For women with young children to look after, this flexibility is invaluable. Women working full-time also receive medical insurance, and the chance to participate in workshops for health education and other relevant issues.

Knowing what a difference working with Vietnam Quilts has made in her life, Lan hopes that the program continues to grow and is able to employ more women like her. Having come from a place where basic food and shelter was uncertain, she understandably wants to reach out to those women who are still in that position. If patiently making a quilt for an unknown friend in an unknown land will help her do this, she’s more than happy to oblige!