Kommaly Chanthavong: Champion of Sericulture and Community Development

Director Tom Acton spent time with Kommaly Chanthavong in Laos to film a mini-documentary for Samaritan’s Purse. The project celebrated the Samaritan’s Purse 50th anniversary and showcased its support for Kommaly’s inspiring work over the years.

Kommaly has transformed the lives of countless families in Laos’s remote mountain regions. She preserves and revitalizes the ancient art of sericulture, enabling sustainable livelihoods. Her handcrafted silk products are sold worldwide, showcasing her dedication. Despite growing up in the bomb-ridden Xiangkhouang Province, she pursued education in Vientiane. Later, she returned home to empower her community with the skills and opportunities they needed.

About Kommaly Chanthavong

In 1976, Kommaly created a silk production cooperative, which she still leads today. The cooperative trains women in traditional skills, such as raising silkworms, making natural dyes, and weaving intricate patterns. These skills enable hundreds of families to earn a fair and stable income, boosting local economies.

Kommaly’s journey began at 11 when bombers destroyed her village during attacks on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. She walked for a month to Vientiane, carrying only her family’s silk weaving knowledge. Moved by the plight of displaced families, she started the cooperative with 10 members. Today, it has grown to include over 3,000 members.

She and her husband now run a model farm where they teach all aspects of silk production. They cover mulberry tree cultivation, silkworm raising, thread spinning, natural dye preparation, and traditional weaving. The farm sustains and spreads this invaluable cultural heritage.

Recognition

In 2005, the Nobel Peace Prize nominated Kommaly alongside 1,000 Peace Women for her contributions. By helping women gain sustainable incomes, she has improved countless lives and strengthened communities.

Learn more about Kommaly’s work and browse her beautiful silk products at www.mulberries.org.