Single mother Wasana Salimi has responsibilities towards her disabled daughter and her sister's twin sons. All of them previously lived in a ramshackle shelter in Klong Toey's slums. They lacked basic amenities such as electricity and water. Job opportunities were scarce, and Wasana was the sole breadwinner. Since she couldn't seek permanent jobs due to her daughter's illness, her income was from folding newspapers into small bags and washing other people's clothes.
Swedish expat Annika Jonasson was teaching English in the slums, saw what happened, and decided to help by initiating a house-building plan to improve their lives.
"I sent out letters to my Swedish friends asking them to collect money from their communities," Jonasson said. "It took me only three days to get the money. We then built a house for Wasana and she's been living in it ever since."
The house that Jonasson built subsequently gave a new life to Wasana. She now can earn a small income from various jobs that Jonasson seeks for her and is able to take care of her disabled daughter at the same time.
But that was just the beginning. Jonasson's experience led her to come up with the Hang On Hangers project in 2010, with the idea of hiring women in the slums to make clothes hangers. The purpose is to give job opportunities to people -- particularly those with special needs -- within their own safe environment. The hangers, which feature beautiful decorations of beads and quilts, are sold to various customers, from hotels in Bangkok to charitable events as well as communities abroad through Jonasson's connections. Right now, around 20 women are working on the project.
"They should be able to work, earning money, while taking care of their children and their families within their homes," said Jonasson. The hangers are sold at around 150 baht.
"I don't want big industries to produce these. I chose this place because some of the people here cannot get jobs anywhere else. It's a choice for them to work. We might not give them a big salary, but we give them a fair salary that is higher than the minimum wage."
Sukanlaya 'Muay' Thammaseri.
Working alongside Jonasson is Sukanlaya "Muay" Thammaseri. Her previous occupation was teaching, and besides making the hangers, she and Jonasson have been working together to push their employees into proper academic learning.
"It's important for these girls to change. It's to benefit their own children. We encourage them to change their thinking. By starting with themselves, everything else will follow," said Sukanlaya.
Twenty-five-year-old single mother Daramanee "Ploy" Sodkong has been under Jonasson's employment for almost three years. The salary she saves is for her son's future.
"I want the project to keep going," she said. "It has helped with my finances. But it's mainly for my son's tuition so he can advance in life."
Jonasson has been active in volunteering work for over 14 years. Although purchasing the hangers is a contribution customers can make, Jonasson does not want people buying them out of pity.
"I want people to make orders, to purchase the hangers, because of their practicality and beauty, not only out of sympathy," she said.
"Hang On Hangers is like my baby. It might not help a lot of people but it certainly makes a change. The project is meant to show them another life. If you work hard enough, you'll be able to afford what you want."
Daramanee 'Ploy' Sodkong.
Annike Jonasson with Wasana Salimi's disabled daughter.
Jewellery from the project.
