Objectives

To disseminate technological skills acquired during the Hands-on technical training in post cocoon technologies at the Central Silk technological Research Institute, CSTRI, Banglore, as part of the technology sharing among grassroot level women in post cocoon technologies.

Workshop content:29 March

• Inauguration by the acting president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chanpheng Bounnaphol
• Overview of project by WID coordinator, APCTT
• Theory of precocoon technologies - Mr. Vilaysack, Director, Sericulture Research Centre.
• Interactive session on mulberry byproducts,rearing as an income generating activity, methods of feeding, disease prevention, cross breeding,low returns for fabrics woven.
• Mr. Ken, particpant in APCTT's training emphasised need for quality yarn as market for quality product exists,also emphasised need to improve reeling techniques.
• Mr. Kongfa Phoummasak, President, Lao Handicraft Group assured participants that he would facilitate through this workshop the silk making process in this country.
• Visit to Chinda Handicrafts and Weaving Centre, all weavers were women.
• Visit to Houay Hong training Centre for women to observe and learn techniques in natural dyeing.
• Visit to Phaeng Mai Silk gallery ; all women weavers ;

Workshop content : 30 March

• Visit to Sericulture Centre, Hatsaiphong District reeling on a large scale is being introduced; machines need to be maintained participants practice reeling, need to introduce locally made reeling machines based on the model from Thailand.
• closing speeches by director sericulture, APCTT representative
  

Names of participants:

• Mr. Houmphan,Director- Phonekham handicrafts
• Mr. Sengchan, Technician, Science &technology
• Ms. Sengnali, Employee, Fa Jewellery
• Ms. Varisa, manager, Chintana handicrafts
• Ms. Sengdavone, Employee, Nikone handicrafts
• Ms. Phetlasy, Employee, Lao cotton
• Mr. Kongfa, Director, Lao Handicrafts Group
• Mr. Sengmany, clerk, Lao Handicraft Group
• Mr. Ken, Field manager, Phaeng mai Gallery
• Ms. Chaiiap, Weaver & Cocoon rearer, Borikkhamsai province
• Ms.Chai, Weaver & cocoon rearer, , Borikhamsai province
• Ms.Phan, Weaver & cocoon rearer, Borikhamsai province
• Ms. Soubai, Ms.Khaikeo, Ms. Boumboun,Ms. Tom, Ms. Khemphone weavers & cocoon rearers, Borikhamsai province
• Ms. Bounmy Employee, tribal handicrafts
• Ms. Moua,Ms. Bounthan,Ms. Khamhou, , farmers, Sangthong district
• Mr. Itthisone, employer, kanchana Handicrafts

Results:
1.participants were able to get theoretical knowledge on precocoon techniques
2.participants were exposed to and trained in extraction, preparation and use of natural dyes
3.participants were exposed to galleries that sold finished products
4.participants practiced reeling on upgraded technology.
5.participants shared a common platform with others in the silk process - dyers, reelers, weavers, researchers and commercial houses.
6.opportunity for interactive discussion on common problems faced by rural women in sericulture