Tiếng Việt
Launching ceremony of project VIE/039
Maries & LuxDev collaborate to empower women in the Lepironia grass handicraft community
Hue City, October 21, 2025 – At the Cultural House of Dong My Residential Area, Phong Dinh Ward, Hue City, Maries Co., Ltd – Lepironia Craft of Hue, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev), officially held the launching ceremony of Project VIE/039 under the theme “Enhancing the capacity of women in Lepironia handicrafts to preserve traditional craftsmanship and promote sustainable livelihoods in Phong Binh (now Phong Dinh Ward), Hue City.”
The ceremony took place in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere, attended by representatives from LuxDev, Phong Dinh Ward People’s Committee, village leaders, along with over 70 delegates, artisans, and trainees from Dong My craft village and surrounding areas. The event marked an important milestone in Maries’ ongoing journey to support rural women and strengthen sustainable development for the traditional Lepironia handicraft industry – a cultural heritage deeply rooted in the land of Phong Dinh, Hue.
Funded by the Government of Luxembourg through LuxDev, Project VIE/039 is part of the bilateral development cooperation program between Luxembourg and Vietnam. The project focuses on empowering rural women in Phong Dinh Ward by improving technical skills, increasing income, and promoting the sustainable management of Lepironia grass resources.
In its initial phase, the project will conduct two training courses – a Basic Course and an Advanced Course – for a total of 45 trainees. Participants will be trained in techniques for material processing, weaving bags, hats, and accessories, color coordination, and finishing products that meet export standards. All materials, tools, and learning resources will be provided free of charge. Moreover, Maries commits to purchasing all qualified products, ensuring a stable market for local artisans. In parallel, the project supports 50 households with Lepironia fields to restore and expand the cultivation area, ensuring sustainable raw material supply for the local handicraft value chain.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Suong Lan – Director of Maries shared:
“This is an important milestone, not only for Maries but also for the community of women who have long dedicated themselves to the traditional Lepironia craft. Project VIE/039 represents an opportunity for local residents to gain knowledge, improve their craftsmanship, and confidently build a better livelihood through their own work.”
A LuxDev representative also expressed confidence in Maries’ direction and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continuing its support for sustainable livelihood initiatives in Vietnam.
The ceremony concluded in a spirit of collaboration and unity with a signing session, confirming the joint financial support between Maries and LuxDev for 50 Lepironia-cultivating households in the craft village. The image of Dong My women smiling brightly and eagerly attending the project’s kick-off amid Hue’s rainy season left a deep and lasting impression. Their joyful expressions and genuine enthusiasm reflected not only their excitement for learning and developing new skills but also their strong belief in a better future. It was a vivid symbol of the resilient vitality of the Lepironia grass and the optimistic, enduring spirit of Hue’s women.
The Launching Ceremony of Project VIE/039 was not only the start of a series of training and livelihood support activities but also a symbol of trust and cooperation between local authorities, international partners, and the community. With the collaboration of LuxDev, local government, and the people of Phong Dinh, Maries believes that the Lepironia handicraft industry will not only be preserved but will continue to grow – becoming a sustainable source of livelihood, pride, and a living testament to the creativity and perseverance of Vietnamese rural women.
MARIES