In a remote village in the mountains of Laos, young girls like Phin are learning the skills that will provide a future with greater independence and stability.

Phin lives with her younger brother and mother. Until recently, their only income came from the rice field they owned – unfortunately it was not enough to cover the cost of going to school for Phin and her brother. Phin stopped going to school before she was twelve.

Over five years later, sixteen-year-old Phin was introduced to a project supported by Plan International and our local partner, Camkid. Together with nine other women from her village, Phin took part in an intensive training course to learn the techniques of the century-old tradition of weaving. With the help of project coordinator Simone, they're learning a new way of providing for themselves.

Camkid also organises stage performances and other sessions that focus on issues such as health care, access to education, and gender equality. The aim is to inspire these girls and women to know that they can start their own businesses, duly prepared with their new skills and self-confidence.