Since 1999, we have worked in Southeast Asia with a handful of local organizations who share our passion to prevent human trafficking. Our pilot programs have proven that micro credit and scholarships are key to keeping youth out of reach of traffickers. Youth often fall prey due to extreme poverty, lack of educational opportunities and an ingrained obligation - particularly of the first born - to support their families. Job skills and business training are key to preventing the vicious cycle.
Thailand is the epicenter of human trafficking for sex and labor. Poverty, lack of education & statelessness are a few reasons why thousands of youth are at highest risk of human trafficking. "Hot spots" exist on the borders with Burma, Southern China, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Bangkok is a magnet the way New York City is for people with big dreams of success. Tragically, people are tricked along the way into lifelong enslavement. Youth need solid job training to successfully escape this fate!
By establishing an entrepreneurs fund, we will provide seed funding & monthly trainings to 100 youth to launch their own businesses and become financially independent. They are interested in learning about animal husbandry, fixing motorcycles, running a noodle shop, launching an internet cafe', making and selling handicrafts, and baked goods. One shelter staff will work exclusively on job training and career development opportunities within the local business community where they will work.
This program will provide job skills and business training to 100 Thai youth at highest risk of trafficking, thus breaking the vicious cycle of exploitation for hundreds of families whose youth are too often tricked into trafficking by offers of "jobs and big money" in cities like Bangkok and Pattaya. Providing solid business acumen, training and money to seed their businesses is a proven, practical solution to actually preventing human trafficking before it ruins the lives of a new generation.
