It all started with the hobby of Thanh TRUONG (wife of Bernard KERVYN): watching the long hours spent on a single quilt (3-4 weeks full time for a bed cover), the idea emerged to make it an income generating program for women.

The strategic choice was made to aim at the top end quality wise, as one believed this would help make the program sustainable. It requires to refuse some under qualified quilters and to reject products which are no perfect. This strategic option revealed itself as an excellent decision. Today 2 shops sell the production of 170 women fully employed. Their income has been doubled or trebled, they work close to their house and children, in excellent conditions. They receive various trainings and are covered by a health insurance.

The 2 shops, in Hochiminh City and Hà-Nôi make profits which fund development programs in the same villages. See www.vietnam-quilts.org .