Build Brighter Future: Education for 50 Lao Girls

by Alliance Anti Trafic

Summary

"I still dream of going to school, but my parents ask me to drop out of school to earn money." Every year in Laos, thousands of girls need to quit school to earn money. They are prone to becoming victims of forced prostitution, as young as 11 years old. We AAT aims at combating this exploitative cycle by prioritizing the access to education - we support them education expenses, offer them life skills training and career alternatives. We help them live out a life where they are no longer abused.

$150,000
total goal

$149,297
remaining

18
donors

0
monthly donors

6
months

Challenge

Every year in Laos, thousands of girls aged 11 - 15 are forced to drop out of school to earn money for their families. They are from poor families or ethnic minorities in rural areas. Wanting to find a job but not reaching the legal age for work, they often get trafficked and lured into prostitution. Their life gets destroyed then - they get beaten, sexually abused, and feel shameful. With health problems and mental problems, these girls cannot see any hope in life or any other alternative.

Solution

Through our experience, we see the power of protection through education: we go to the villages where girls are at risk, and help them go back to school. We fully cover their education expenses for at least 3 years till graduation, preventing them from returning to exploitative situations. We support them financially so they can resist financial pressure from families, as well as offering activities and career training. We also encourage them as volunteers to bring more peers back to education.

Long-Term Impact

Since 2003, we've protected over 3200 women and girls. With this project, we will empower 50 at-risk Lao girls to further break the cycle of exploitation and poverty. Equipped with skills and jobs, girls can build brighter futures. As they grow up, they'll inspire peers and let them know that there are always more possibilities in life. When they have children, as they know how important education is for girls, they'll ensure their children receive education, preventing future exploitation.