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Laos Essential Artistry Posting Page
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
 Giving back in meaningful ways is an essential part of our philosophy at Laos Essential Artistry. Over the last seven years we have primarily supported literacy efforts through donating money for book box libraries given to rural schools through the Reading Promotion Program sponsored by the National Library of Laos and most recently by sponsoring book parties through Big Brother Mouse and buying books published by Big Brother Mouse, giving them to students and teachers during our travels in remote Huaphan Province. On our last trip we made the effort to learn more about the work of an important growing organization in Laos, AFESIP Laos [Acting for Women in Distressing Situations] that is dedicated to fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children and women in Lao PDR. Nicholas D. Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner columnist for The New York Times since 2001 has been writing about the trafficking of children and women for many years and in several of his columns he has written about the Somaly Mom Foundation in Cambodia, and it was Somaly Mam who was the original founder of AFESIP in Cambodia and she recently visited the AFESIP Center in Savanakhet, Laos on July 3. We are impressed with the work AFESIP Laos is doing and want to offer the opportunity for our customers to purchase Dok Champa Silk Flower Pins that are handcrafted by the rehabilitated women who have been vocationally trained and professionally employed by LOPPA (Lao Organic Product Promotion Association) through ASE (AFESIP Social Enterprise). AFESIP Laos combats the causes and consequences of trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls. In addition to providing holistic care and recovery for those rescued, AFESIP offers vocational training to support sustainable community reintegration and these beautiful Dok Champa silk flowers pins are just one of many fair trade products they produce. The Dok Champa Silk Flower Pins are available for $5 each or are free with every order over $100 and we will include one free with each purchase of one of our Carol Cassidy Weaves of Cambodia Rainbow Silk Scarves. Please note that he materials used to create the Dok Champa Silk Flower Pins are synthetic, not real silk, but "silk-like." The Dok Champa (Plumeria) is the national flower and official symbol of Lao PDR. The waxy flower with a sweet scent can be found in many colors: red, yellow, pink and multiple pastels. For the Lao people, Dok Champa represents sincerity and joy in life. The flower is often used as a decoration in ceremonies or made into a garland to welcoming guests. The Dok Champa blooms everyday and lasts a long time. The trees are planted throughout the country and in particular, can be seen near the monastic areas. Below are several photos I’ve taken of Dok Champa flowers in Laos over the year. Aren’t they beautiful!?
by: Laos Essential Artistry 
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