By Jorn Dix | International Volunteer
Three months have passed by since our last report from Chiang Khong. The girls have enjoyed their term break, during which some of the girls had the chance to visit their parents. The new term (which is the last one for some of our girls before graduation) started and New Year passed by.
On January 24th and 25th a group from Thai PBS, a major Thai TV station, came to DEPDC's Chiang Khong Shelter to do a short film workshop.
This year's workshop was the second one organized in a cooperation of local NGOs with Thai PBS. Besides DEPDC, two other NGOs from Chiang Rai Province participated in the workshop's organization. Krong Gaan Kiang Rim Kong (Project at the Mekong Riverbank) from Huai So, Chiang Khong District, and Suun Puea Nong Ying (Center for Girls) from Mae O, Phan District, both in Chaing Rai Province.
On Saturday morning, the workshop's participants received introductory lessons into creative writing, acting, video and audio equipment, acting, and recording. The afternoon was taken up by creative writing and acting training.
On Sunday, three groups of five girls produced their own short movies that will be edited and finalized with the support of Thai PBS's staff.
The short movies this year will be focusing on 'Commercial sexual exploitation of children' (CSEC).
Last year's short movie (please find youtube-link attached below [Lahu with Thai subtitles]) was produced by five girls from DEPDC's Chiang Khong Shelter and is called Stories from a Diary. The movie tells the story of Nagaya's difficult transition from elementary school to secondary school. It mainly focused on the dichotomy between the dream of studying on to find a good job in the future and the necessity to support the family income by dropping out of school and going to work in one of the big cities now.
The staff, volunteers, and the girls of the Chiang Khong Shelter would like to thank every generous donor. It is only because of the continuing and constant support that DEPDC is able to perform its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children who are at risk of being trafficked into the commercial sex industry or other forms of exploitive labor.
Thanks to everybody and we wish everyone a Happy New Year!
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