Dear Friends,
Here is the October 2024 summary of our AAT project progress and impacts in combating sexual exploitation against women and children.
Activities:
- “Fluttering Butterfly” campaign: we visited 4 schools in Northeastern Thailand, teaching kids essential life skills for online safety, family violence prevention, and protection against exploitation.
- #MooDeng: Through creative rehabilitation activities including clay sculpture and chalk drawings, we support and accompany women and girls recovering from sexual exploitation, addressing their mental health challenges.
- One girl beneficiary, who has been supported by our AAT Vietnam program “Where Dreams Bloom“ , won a gold medal in Aerobics at the 10th National Student Sports Festival.
Events:
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- During the European Week Against Human Trafficking, we participated in the program of the organization PAG-ASA in Brussels, featuring a film on the prostitution of minors and an awareness stand displaying testimonies from victims of human trafficking in Belgium.
- On October 9th and 10th, AAT joined the Mekong Community of Practice Forum, hosted by The Freedom Fund, with 12 civil society organizations to address cross-border trafficking, forced marriage, and foster collaboration.
- AAT Lao team participated in the Down To Zero/SUFASEC capacity training organized by Village Focus International in Champasak, Lao PDR, with the topics covering sexual exploitation and first aid psychology.
- On October 19th, Alliance Anti Trafic (AAT) participated in the #WalkforFreedom campaign organized by A21.
News:
- Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s biggest storm of the year, has caused severe flooding and landslides, displacing thousands of families in northern Laos and Shan State, Myanmar. AAT is now seeking funds and donations to support these families, including our affected volunteers.
- Thank you Fah Jai Dee project and Midas Inter Trade Company for donating 300 sets of underwear to AAT! Over half has already been distributed to our girls in the government shelter, with the rest on its way to women and girls in our community training programs.
✨ Highlight of This Month ✨
We AAT, in collaboration with The Friend of Women Foundation and the Office of the Primary Education Area 1, Ubon Ratchathani, successfully launched the “Fluttering Butterfly” campaign at four schools in Northeastern Thailand. 🎉
Empowering Students Through Education:
The project aimed to create safer school environments by educating students on online safety, family violence prevention, and protection against exploitation. AAT’s experienced instructors led engaging sessions that combined knowledge-sharing with interactive activities and fun games to keep the students involved. The training sessions were designed to build self-esteem, teach emotional awareness, and promote healthy relationships.
Key Training Topics:
Students learned about essential life skills, including:
- Building self-esteem and understanding emotions
- Basic gender education
- Sexual safety for preteens
- Gender equality and healthy body image
- Protection against sexual harassment and where to seek help
- Addressing grooming and exploitation
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans:
The name “Fluttering Butterfly” symbolizes transformation and hope, reflecting this initiative’s mission to empower children with knowledge and life skills that promote safety and resilience. This activity is part of our AAT Networking and Identification Team’s efforts to raise awareness among students and teachers about the dangers they may face. It also helps us build relationships and networks with schools and communities so that they know how to report risky situations to us if encountering in the future. Together, with our local partners, networks and supporters like you, we can contribute to a safer and more informed future for all! 💪💪
🚨 Quiz Time🚨
Imagine this: Your niece, a 17-year-old girl, is preparing to travel to a foreign country, because she fell in love with a male online, who invited her to come live with him and get married with him. She has never met that male before, but she believed what that male told her, that she would have a new life and a promised marriage.
❔ What would you do if you encountered a young girl in this situation?
❔ How can you tell if someone is being deceived into migrating for marriage?
(scroll down to learn how AAT manages to intercept 💫)
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💡 In January 2024, AAT intercepted a critical case of potential exploitation. A volunteer informed us that her 17-year-old niece was at risk of being trafficked to China under the guise of marriage. AAT staff immediately took action, met with the girl and the volunteer to gather information, and provided guidance on safe travel practices to China.
At that time, the girl was preparing to travel to Boten, the border town between Laos and China, with a Chinese man who had convinced her they would marry in China. Before departing, she asked to see her border pass, which the man claimed he had given to the broker. When she questioned how he could have done this without photos or supporting documents, her doubts grew. She recalled what AAT and her aunt had told her about safe migration, so she became more suspicious of the man. Later, when the girl heard the man speaking on the phone, seemingly negotiating to sell her to someone else, she realized she had been deceived. Therefore, she decided not to leave for China for marriage and managed to leave that potentially risky situation.
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This story highlights the importance of awareness, vigilance, and support networks. Safe migration starts with knowledge. Know the signs, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to seek help. Stay informed and protect those at risk. 🛡️