Sone-Tu

Sone-Tu translates to “people at the mouth of the river.”  The name is derived from a Chin ethnic group living in northern Rakine State.  Ni Ni Aung, born in this area, started Sone-Tu in 2002.  Before the Sone-Tu began their work, backstrap weaving designs were in danger of being forgotten.  Because there was no written record, the patterns only existed in the muscle memory of those who had, at that point, stopped weaving.  Sone-Tu has brought these master weavers out of retirement to assist a new generation in learning these historical weaving patterns and techniques.

Today they have revived 52 patterns, some of which are very complex.  There are currently over 100 weavers who have gone through a rigorous training regimen.  During the process, the master weaver will train her students in every detail, including how many threads go up or down at each stage.  One of these groups of trainees was funded and documented by National Geographic in 2012.

The weaving process begins in Mandalay where the cotton or silk is purchased and dyed.  These are then transported to the remote villages in Rakhine State.  There the fibers are washed, grouped and twined before weaving can begin.  Because many of the weavers are illiterate, they do not have the opportunity to move to the city or other locations for work.  If the weavers do not have rice fields to cultivate, they will weave full time.  Working full time, a single weaving takes a month to weave. 

In addition to their work preserving traditional weaving culture, Sone-Tu is helping to document and preserve the ritual spoken language of the region, which currently only one man speaks.  

For further information about Sone-Tu, you can visit their website at www.sonetu.com or contact Ni Ni Aung at:
Email: weavings@sonetu.com
Phone: 44 207 5863612

*All photos credited to Sone-Tu and used with permission

We'll be open on Monday!

We deeply apologize for anyone who was planning on visiting us this weekend.  The shop will be re-opened after Thingyan on Monday April 22nd at 10am.  Thanks!

Hla Min

Hla Min (meaning Moon) is named after the founder’s son for whom he started making paper mache.  Nyi Nyi Aung began the local business specializing in paper maché toys and ornaments in 2009.   The organization has grown from just one person to employing over 20 people in 3 locations in and around Yangon.  Behind the successful business model is the principle of paying above average wages to employees combined with flexible working hours.

Paper maché has been a local craft in Myanmar for over 50 years, and the Hla Min designs combine the traditional and unique modern ideas from what he observes around Myanmar. All the materials used are locally sourced. The moulds for the paper maché are hand carved by a local woodcarver.

A.F.P. (Action for Public)

AFP was founded in 2008 by three civic empowerment program alumni.  The organization focuses  on marginalized youth and women living with HIV.  For these marginalized youth living in remote areas  AFP holds youth capacity building training.  They also provide student support programs for those affected by or living with HIV.

For some women with HIV, AFP provides micro financing programs to set up small businesses. The organization also empowers women through training and given jobs to put learned skills to work.  The local sewing group in Yangon is made up of 8 women, all living with HIV.  All have had to make difficult decisions when they did not have the means to feed their own children. 

Since joining with Pomelo, the sewers' skills and morale have increased.  With Pomelo products, they earn much more than working only with the local market.  Now the women create a variety of wallets as well as plush toys and ornaments.  These are both beautiful and whimsical with new designs for the changing seasons.   The shop is very proud of the progress this group has made.

Hlaing Thar Yar Disability Centre

 

The Hlaing Thar Yar Disability Centre opened in 2008 and supports children with a range of disabilities ranging from visual and hearing impairment, children with autism and diabetes and those who have suffered the loss of a limb. Children at the centre may also have learning difficulties. For many of the children, the regular school system is unable to support their needs. Through the Hlaing Thar Yar Disability Center, these children receive education and physical therapy.

Parents of the children are encouraged to attend a self-help group and can participate in a small revolving micro-credit scheme.  The Centre involves the children in designing and making simple beaded jewellery. Additionally their mothers are offered home based business opportunities so that they can stay at home with their children and provide them with the needed care.

For more information on Hlaing Thar Yar contact Naw Eh Way:
Email: duckduckduck88@gmail.com
Call: 09420108040