The co-founder of a Cambodian development center will be speaking in women’s chapel on Thursday.
Nguon Chancha will be speaking in Shamblin Theater about the challenges, successes and future plans of the Stung Treng Women’s Development Center (SWDC) and its nonprofit organization Mekong Blue.
For the past nine years, the Stung Treng Women’s Development Center (SWDC) and its nonprofit organization Mekong Blue have directly aided over 800 men, women and children.
Over 80 percent of Cambodia is impoverished and living without adequate access to clean water, education, health facilities or employment opportunities. Further, the SWDC and Mekong Blue website states that 37% of Cambodians are illiterate. However, the women of SWDC have made a big difference in the Stung Treng region and particularly the Sre Po village with their efforts to fight illiteracy and poverty.
The Mekong Blue non-profit organization started making scarves in 2002 and has allowed many to use their talents and traditions, work in fair labor and provide a better life for their families just by weaving scarves from silk.
According to BlueSilk.org, the scarves are individually hand-woven, “singular works of art.” They are constructed from 100% pure silk and then dyed from an assortment of bright colors, each scarf taking up to three weeks to complete.
The website regards these scarves as “fashion statements of courage.” They are available in 15 different designs that range from casual to chic, although all are of high quality. This variety allows Mekong Blue to accommodate most customers, as the scarves make great accessories for almost any occasion.
While scarves will be available for viewing on Thursday, and are always available for sale online, orders will not be taken during chapel.