Data Collection in Laos: Ban Nam Khip

From my experiences, data collection can be time consuming and dull in many circumstances. I do not feel that way while I am doing this project. Again, we had an early start at 7am. We planned to separate two teams to collect data. One team, Dr. Kab and Ajarn Ou, would aim for the data collection at Ban Noon Kradaeng. I will follow Dr. Soonton, Tim and  Ajarn Noi to Ban Nam Khip. The plan worked very well.

We arrived at Ban Nam Khip at almost 9 and I helped my team to set up the tables and recording system. I was a little worried about the participants since the rain was quite heavy and I was not sure if it was a ‘difficult’ time for them to meet with us at the community'd Sala. Only 10 minutes, Nai Ban (head of the village) turned up and greeted us with a big warm smile. Dr. Soonthon explained the idea of this project to him and asked for permission to interview the community.

                                                        A House at Nam Khip

                                                    A House at Nam Khip Village

 I met with an interesting woman who does not work but she looks after women community in Ban Nam Khip. While we were talking to each other she addressed a number of interesting points from women perspectives such as the outcry for training and skill development for women, equal opportunity for men and women to work in the mining industry, and opportunity to work in different positions and roles for women. Women seem to have limited roles such as cleaning, cooking or supporting roles in the mining industry and she disagrees with that idea.

                                                      At the Training Centre

 After the interview we visited Huay Kong Training Centre which is a key vocational training centre for weaver, designer and local textile manufacturer. It is very interesting to know the amount of money and efforts that MMG spent for this 5-years ole centre. We observed design class and realize that all participants s are women who finished school recently and need to find some work opportunities in this area.

                                                 Huoy Khong Training Centre

 In the afternoon, I had a great opportunity to re-visit Ban Nam Khip and interview a woman who works in science-based work.  Her story is also very interesting, like other previous informants. She works  to support her education in business and management, her daughter (one of them lives with disabilities).  

Similar to the previous case, this woman feels that mining industry helps support her financial and social status in the community. Without her current job, she may struggle with costs of living, supporting her family and her education. She is currently studying business administration with the hope to pursue some management in mining sector.  Interestingly, she was very open about the drawbacks of mining industry. Some are related to her community (e.g. environmental problem, business commitment issues) and some are related to herself (e.g. her health, future and work). After the end of the interview, she asked me to explain the actions of this project and what should we do to take further actions from this project. Very good points from her!!

                                          Friends from the Government and Village

We ended the night by saying farewell to ‘Nai Ban’ and presented some token of appreciation to him. We hope that we will return to this village to share our information with the community.