In Nghe An, the weaving craft used to thrive in many districts such as Nghi Loc, Quynh Luu, and Yen Thanh. However, in recent years, the handicraft villages have fallen into a state of decline due to a shrinking market.

About 15 years ago, the bamboo and rattan weaving profession in Phuc Tho commune (Nghi Loc district, Nghe An) also developed very strongly. Some places became famous craft villages, with people opening many workshops that were active day and night. “More than ten years ago, almost every household practiced the craft. Many weaving classes were opened to train women and young people. However, after only a few years, the market was limited, products were difficult to sell, leading to no income for the craftsmen. The production households gradually shrank and disappeared,” said Nguyen Thi Ngan (born in 1976, resident of hamlet 10, Phuc Tho commune, Nghi Loc district). She added that the production households then changed their profession to find new jobs.

Faced with the risk of the traditional craft in her hometown being lost, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan (64 years old, resident of Hamlet 10, Phuc Tho Commune) mobilized women in the hamlet to gather into a "Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Group" and together preserve and develop the craft.

After a period of mobilization, from a small group of people, the bamboo and rattan weaving group now has 15 members who are regularly active. It is expected that in the near future, many members who are learning the profession will join the group to maintain the profession, produce together and earn more income for the family.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan said that her group often weaves household items or home and cafe decorations such as lanterns, baskets, and decorative lights of all kinds.

To get the raw materials, people used to have to cut bamboo, find it, split it into thin strips and then weave it. However, nowadays, the raw materials are imported from Que Phong and Quy Chau districts and there are machines to do it for them, so the workers have less trouble.

To make products that are even, beautiful, and the right size, craftsmen will use wooden molds and iron rings to make frames.

From the skillful hands of the craftsman, unique decorative lamps are born.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh (61 years old) shared: “Since grade 6, my mother taught me the craft of weaving. But there was a time when I couldn’t sell my work, so I quit and went to the market to sell. Now that I have established a group, I go to the market during the day and in the evening I come to do more weaving. On average, I earn an additional 5-6 million VND per month, which is more money to support my family."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong - President of the Women's Union of Phuc Tho commune said that the bamboo and rattan weaving group in the commune operates very effectively and creates additional income for many women at home during their free time. "The input materials are already made by machines, so it is very convenient. Women just need to take them home and make them in their free time to earn extra income. The products are increasingly diversified and beautiful, so they are favored by customers," Ms. Huong shared.