Artisans from ethnic groups like the E-de, M'nong and Gia Rai are organised into groups in each district and town.

Participating towns include Buon Ma Thuot City, Buon Don, Buon Ho, Ea Sup, Chu M'ga, Krong Buk, Ea H'leo, Lac and Krong Ana, among others.

In the Buon Ma Thuot's wards of Ea Kao, Ea Tu and Ea Tam, newly-introduced brocade co-operatives have attracted dozens of locals who make items for commercial purposes.

In Ea Tu Ward, up to 70 per cent of the local population is making brocades on a regular basis, with each household typically having two looms and three female weavers.

Apart from the usual household items, other decorative items are made for sale, including bags, tablecloths, bedcloths and curtains.

The brocade items are traded within the community and sold to tourists, hotels and restaurants. They are also bought in the markets of Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa and even HCM City.

The districts and towns have held brocade-making contests to promote the craft in local villages and encourage youth to learn it.

Also, six-month brocade courses are being held by a provincial junior college of vocational training for ethnic youth in the outlying villages of Buon Don, Ea H'leo and Lac districts.

Graduates from the classes are given loans of VND4 million (US$200) to buy equipment so they can increase their income.

The production of brocade cloth, which has characteristic patterns, is part of the culture of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands. The craft has been shunned by many youth, who have turned to occupations that have a higher income. — VNS

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