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Pathways Trading Company |
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Socially Responsible Pathways 
'Isan' refers to the northeast region of Thailand, where weaving is one of the most ancient crafts. It is located
on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River to the north and east, and by Cambodia to the south. To the west
it is separated from Northern and Central Thailand by the Phetchabun mountain range. All
the products listed on this website came from the Isan region of Thailand, and Laos. They come from socially responsible
organizations or directly from the weavers. In an area where many farmers have lost land and that which is retained
is poor quality, reliance on the rice crop has created an insecure future for village families. The welfare of young
men and women migrating to the cities in search of work is a concern. Weaving among many other traditional craft enable these people to stay with their families in
rural areas instead of migrating to the cities for factory jobs or etc..
The Good Shepherd Sisters are
just one group I purchase from which gave me the chance to witness traditional weaving first hand. I was given the
grand tour of their many projects which help these people sustain their way of life.
WHAT IS 'IKAT'? Ikat is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing
process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design. Like
any craft or art form, ikats vary widely from country to country and region to region. Designs may have symbolic or ritual
meaning, or have been developed for export trade. Ikats are often symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige. Perhaps because
of the difficulty and time required to make ikats, some cultures believe the cloth is imbued with magical powers.
Ikats created by dyeing the warp are the easiest to make. Before the warp strings are attached to the loom they
are arranged into bundles. Each bundle is tied and dyed separately, so that a pattern will emerge when the loom is set up.
This takes a good deal of skill. The tightly bound bundles are sometimes covered with wax or some other material that will
keep the dyes from penetrating. The process is repeated several times for additional colors.
Development ProjectsUnder
The Direction of the Good Shepherd Sisters, Nong Khai In
1981 the Good shepherd Sisters came to Nong Khai, in the northeast of Thailand. Having worked in Bangkok since
1965 with the women who had migrated to the city from the rural areas, they understood the pressures on the rural families
in trying to satisfy their most basic needs. It was clear to the Sisters that these people, disadvantaged in so many
ways, had no choices available to them. Lacking an education or training of any sort, employment opportunities
were limited. Working at first in the border camps in Nong Khai, they had a good understanding of the local people and
after the closure of the camps, began implementing development projects. To this day, these have been a source of empowerment,
improving the quality of life for all involved. |
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VILLAGE VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER The Village vocational training center provides
training and employment for up to 200 young women, learning handwork and sewing in the provincial town of Nong Khai and in
the villages of Huai Sai and Don Wai. The women have opportunities to provide for their families and to further their
own education. Over 100 others, who are caring for young children, are offered work to do in their homes. Sales
of the finished items are made locally and overseas. Isan Weaving Located on the grounds of the Village Vocational Training Center, Isan Weaving promotes the
traditional and locally practiced process of weaving. Women learn all aspects of cloth production under supervision.
Using both natural and chemical dyes, the cotton fabric is used in the sewing centers for the craft production. VILLAGE
OUTREACH
Visitation by our Outreach Team, of the many sick, isolated, aged and disabled people in the villages, is a priority. Social, medical, nutritional, educational, occupational and financial assistance is provided. Increasing numbers of HIV/Aids infections has led to the formation of the Friendship Center, for patients and their families. (Grandparents are often the sole carers of children, following the death of parents.) The implementation of the Hands of Hope Card Project has arisen from the need of those infected and affected, to generate income. Regular transportation to the hospital and clinics is arranged for the patients. It is a program which offers services, companionship and hope. CHILD SPONSORSHIP The importance of providing young people with choices concerning their future, led to the establishment of a sponsorship program, currently assisting over 500 students to attend school and pursue further studies. The cost of books, uniforms, daily food and transportation, are crippling expenses for poor families, and which are offset through the support of sponsors. Holiday activity programs and seminars offers life skills to teenagers at a crucial stage of their development.
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