Houaykong Training Centre
The goal of the Houaykong Training Centre is to provide training in traditional handicraft production and livelihood skills to members of the mine’s host communities.
In 2010, the centre provided a range of training courses including natural dyeing, weaving designs, silk and cotton weaving techniques, tailoring, development of nurseries and silkworm raising.
Weaving is taught at the Houaykong Training Centre.
A vaccination programme, including issuing vaccination cards, has been very successful.
Other courses included agriculture training (including mushroom farming, fish and frog raising, pig farming, poultry raising, vegetable and fruit growing, tree grafting and agricultural skills for small gardens) and village veterinary training.
A floating bridge (constructed entirely using recycled materials) was built to replace the previous walkway to the Mulberry and fruit tree plantation area, enabling safe access for staff and villagers. Mulberry trees have been planted to promote silkworm raising, while Indigo plants have been grown to promote natural dyeing techniques.
Accommodation and cooking facilities have also been reviewed and improved.
The centre now allows for eight male and eight female students to be accommodated at any one time.