Help comes to trade villages during COVID-19

Traditional craft villages were already under threat from the rapid development of the modern world and were then challenged even more so by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many youngsters now recognise, however, the importance of stopping traditional crafts from falling into oblivion.

Phu Xuyen district on the outskirts of Hanoi is known for traditional pearl mosaic and saw revenue decline 30% during the outbreak.

A similar situation was seen at the Quat Dong embroidery village, where COVID-19 resulted in young artisan Le Tuan Anh and his two-year-old startup facing daily struggles. He remains optimistic, however, as he can still make a living from the trade.

Authorities and other organisations have joined hands to help open training classes for local youngsters, not only on crafting techniques but also on management and business skills so that they can earn a living from these trades.

Though seriously challenged by the coronavirus, trade villages were carefully nurtured by their dedicated artisans and young people. Their devotion coupled with assistance from local government and relevant organisations helped them navigate the pandemic./.

VNA