Linh's Crochet - Humanitarian Economic Model

Born in 1993 and raised right in Yen Tu land, Ms. Do Thuy Linh understands the situation of many elderly Dao Thanh Y women, who are no longer strong enough to work in the fields and also have difficulty finding suitable jobs. From that concern, in 2020, she decided to open Linh's Crochet handicraft workshop with the desire to create a sustainable economic model, both producing quality handicrafts and carrying humanistic meaning. To date, the workshop has attracted nearly 40 workers, of which more than 90% are Dao women and disadvantaged women.

Members of Linh's Crochet Trading Company Limited.

The work in the workshop is divided into many stages such as crocheting, stuffing, attaching accessories, decorating, etc. Each person only needs a few sessions to get acquainted and be able to take on their part of the work. This is a light job, does not require physical strength, suitable for the elderly, the disabled or women who have difficulty in daily activities.

Ms. Ly Thi Hai, a Dao ethnic woman with limited mobility since childhood, is one of the workers who has been attached to the workshop since the early days. In her small house in Dong Chanh village, Ms. Hai regularly completes assigned crocheted and stuffed products. “Having work right at home makes me feel more comfortable. I feel that I am still useful and can still do something meaningful,” Ms. Hai confided. For many women like Ms. Hai, Linh's Crochet not only brings income but is also a valuable source of spiritual motivation.

What is special is that in just a production space of about 60m², Ms. Linh's wool workshop has made tens of thousands of handmade products, from stuffed animals to ao dai dolls holding the national flag. The products are all meticulously handcrafted, have their own unique characteristics and are positively received by the market. On average, each month, the workshop produces about 1,500 products, consumed in many tourist destinations such as Hoi An, Nha Trang, or exported to a number of countries. Thanks to that, each worker has a stable income of 4-5 million VND/month - a significant income for women in the mountainous areas.

In order for the workers - most of whom are disadvantaged women - to be able to make diverse, unique and customized products, Ms. Do Thuy Linh, the workshop director, is always the one who directly makes the first sample. From this sample product, she records detailed recipes for each step, helping the women to easily follow. This seemingly simple job actually requires meticulousness, perseverance and the ability to sympathize and understand each worker in the workshop. Each instruction and each recipe is flexibly adjusted by Ms. Linh to suit the ability and working rhythm of each person, creating an environment that is both effective and humane.

Some products exported to the European market by Linh's Crochet.

Not stopping there, to give many other women in Yen Tu ward the opportunity to access the model, every month Ms. Linh and the master craftsmen organize knitting classes at Dong Chanh village Cultural House. These classes become a space for exchange, sharing experiences, strengthening the village spirit and helping women become more confident when participating in labor.

Ms. Do Thuy Linh, Director of Linh's Crochet Trading Company Limited, shared: For me, Linh's Crochet is not just a factory or a business. What I appreciate most is seeing the changes in women who used to be self-conscious and withdrawn because of their circumstances. When they have jobs and income, they are happier, talk and laugh more and confidently step out into the community. That is what makes me feel that this model is truly meaningful.

The story of Linh's Crochet shows the spirit of sharing and kindness of the people of Yen Tu. In the midst of modern life, this small but warm model is spreading great kindness, demonstrating the vitality of humane economy on the sacred land of Yen Tu.

Hoai Minh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/linh-s-crochet-mo-hinh-kinh-te-nhan-dao-3386551.html