Hand Made Quilts – Thien Chi has established quilting groups in all 3 districts, which provides job for approximately 70 women. These workers are now highly skilled and making quality, sought after quilts. There is a ready market through the Mekong Quilts retail outlets in Vietnam & Cambodia: Mekong+
Bamboo Workshop – Another successful workshop has been operated by Thien Chi in Tanh Linh (2009) & Ham Thuan Nam (2013). Products made from bamboo, e.g. plates, bowls, trays, platters, vases, small furniture items, etc... are marketed through Mekong + in HCMC. This workshop has also successfully designed and produced an innovative bamboo bicycle which has been well received. The bikes are sold in all 6 shops of Mekong+ and exported.
Rattan Workshops – 2 workshops are now operating in Ham Thuan Nam district. Rattan sticks used for inclusion with perfume and aroma oil products, are produced at these centers. Other unique designs like Christmas decorations are also produced on a smaller scale.
Incense Stick making – This small workshop opened in Duc Linh in 2008. Through the ongoing partnership with Mekong Plus, this workshop now has a ready export market in France, and produced 8 ton of incense sticks last year.
Waste Recycling – Currently, Thien Chi encourages farmers to make compost from their waste. We also support house building using plastic panels to reduce the plastic waste and contribute to the fight against climate change.
Short term projects – In partnership with local authorities, Thien Chi projects such as tree planting, road and bridge building also provide short term jobs for the unemployed .