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Receive a Phnong Scarf or Bag
12/10/2004
Receive a Handmade Phnong Handbag or Scarf
with a Donation to Refugees International
Refugees International is offering scarves and bags carefully made by the Phnong women of Cambodia in return for donations that will help ensure the cultural survival of this indigenous group. For every donation of $20 or more, you will receive a colorful, handmade Phnong handbag or scarf. Each scarf and bag is a unique color and pattern.
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NOTE: In the COMMENTS field, please
type
"Helping the Phnong" and specify your preference for a Phnong handbag
or scarf.
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You may also mail a check to:
Attn:
Helping the Phnong
Refugees International
2001 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
The Phnong are a unique ethnic group who live in the forests lining the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. They have always lived off what they grow and gather, which has required them to move from place to place in order to cultivate fresh land. This type of semi-nomadic lifestyle greatly influenced the development of their age-old traditions and customs.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to continue a semi-nomadic lifestyle in an age where land is increasingly privately owned. The long-established components of Phnong culture, including their distinct language, extensive knowledge of the forest, living patterns and time-honored rituals, are vanishing as land development, tourism and modernization in general encroach upon the forests where they live. They often find themselves without food and in need of money, which has caused many to abandon their traditional lifestyles out of pure necessity.
One of the ways in which RI is helping the Phnong is through our ongoing support for Cambodian Family Development Services. CFDS is currently running a microloan program to help Phnong women set up weaving cooperatives, and RI has donated a number of looms for this purpose.
The continuation of the weaving tradition as well as the small income that the handicrafts generate are important stepping stones towards the preservation of Phnong culture. Please help the Phnong protect their unique way of life by making a donation and receiving one of their beautifully hand-woven crafts.
Supplies are limited, so make your donation to help the Phnong today! (NOTE: In the COMMENTS field, please type "Helping the Phnong" and specify your preference for a Phnong handbag or scarf.)