Education Lao People's Democratic Republic Project #63876

Build Brighter Future: Education for 50 Lao Girls

by Alliance Anti Trafic

Project Report | Jan 29, 2025
Project Updates (Jan, 2025)

By Thanaporn Oldenburger | Communication and Outreach Coordinator

Names& photos are changed/blurred for protection

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you for your continuous support of our AAT work! We are delighted to share with you some of our highlighted progress on the “Build Brighter Future: Education for 50 Lao Girls” project from October to December 2024:

1) Jane, from the previous report, she is now pursuing her study for HSK 5 of the Chinese language proficiency. In her spare time, Jane has also helped us with Lao - Chinese translation. This will be her last semester. She is now planning to look for a job that requires Chinese language skills.

2) Marry, from the previous report, she is now a sophomore student of the faculty of Chemistry. She is still working hard for her studies.

3) Joy, from the previous report, she finally becomes a freshman in her university in the field of Social Work.

4) Bell, an at-risk girl in a community where AAT once gave training on human trafficking, online & offline sexual exploitation, forced marriage, safe migration, and how to protect oneself, is now studying Chinese language in HSK 1 level which is basic level. Bell once received our support in 2023 for her final year in high school as her parents did not support her to continue her education.

As we continue to support the educational journeys of these girls, our volunteers are also on a mission to empower communities with essential knowledge.

Through interactive sessions in schools, AAT volunteers worked closely with at-risk groups to raise awareness and equip them with practical tools to protect themselves from exploitation.
The training covered vital topics such as safe travel, navigating overseas work opportunities responsibly, and identifying the hidden dangers of deceptive marriages often tied to trafficking.

These activities not only provided valuable life skills but also inspired participants to take charge of their safety and future.

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Oct 1, 2024
Project Updates (October, 2024)

By Tuangsiri Kanisthananda | International Partnerships Coordinator

Names& photos are changed/blurred for protection

Dear Friends and Supporters,

1) Jane (pseudonym), a former trafficking victim, is now under our program and transforming her past experiences into future opportunities. After coming back to Laos, she began taking Chinese language courses and became a volunteer with AAT, helping us and more women and girl victims on Chinese language translations. This July, she just successfully completed the HSK 4 language test and is now preparing for HSK 5. Let’s cheer up for her great progress!

2) Marry (pseudonym), another beneficiary, is under our AAT’s support to pursue her undergraduate degree in Chemistry. During this summer break, AAT helped her find a part-time job at a small cafe, where she’s now gaining valuable vocational skills that will support her independence.

3) Joy (pseudonym), rescued by AAT in 2018, has been on a remarkable journey of resilience. Joy sought therapy supported by AAT, where she found her passion for social work while volunteering with us. This year, with AAT's support, she completed Grade 13 and passed the entrance exam to study Social Work at a university. Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also a testament to the power of change.

Meanwhile, we AAT conducted a capacity-building workshop for at-risk women and girls from June 11-13. The workshop focused on enhancing leadership skills, and we were pleased to have 3 more new volunteers. In the training workshop, we covered key topics including:

Reproductive health and family planning led by an external facilitator
Labor rights and safe migration facilitated by the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU)
Online dangers and prevention of online sexual exploitation led by AAT facilitators

The workshop’s impact was evident through pre- and post-test results, showing an increase in participant knowledge. Many shared that they could apply what they learned to real-life situations.

Women and girl participants were particularly interested in labor rights and safe migration, especially given the economic pressures in Laos that push many to seek work abroad. They were eager to understand the legal process and documentation required for safe migration. The session on online dangers also resonated deeply, with many attendees having faced issues like forced marriage and scams.

Below are some reflections from participants after the training:

“I am pleased to join this workshop. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know before. It reminds me that we shouldn’t easily trust other people because our society nowadays has become difficult to live in.”

“I am happy to meet you all and learn a lot on how to prevent ourselves from human trafficking. We can inform others who may fall victims of trafficking to be aware. Thank you AAT team.”

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Marry in her undergraduate Chemistry class

Empowerment workshop for Lao women and girls

Training on identifying online dangers

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