Child Protection Thailand Project #28056

Prevent Trafficking: Educate 130 Thai Children

by Global Relief Association for Crises & Emergencies, Inc.

Project Report | Jul 3, 2024
Eradicating Illiteracy in Thailand

By Angela K Sullivan | Cofounder, Project Leader

One of my greatest joys in life is having the wonderful privilege of experiencing GRACE in Thailand through approximately sixty photographs most mornings. My heart exploded with joy as I scrolled through images upon awakening recently!

I dreamt of a reading center within our GRACE family resource center and made it happen on opening day in 2017. Globally, Thailand ranks significantly below average in reading comprehension scores. Let’s provide books and encourage reading. The provisions have proven effective in that the children gravitate to the reading resources AND their collective GPA scores improved from 2.4 to 3.2. Eradicating their vulnerability and breaking the chains of multigenerational illiteracy. YES! THANK YOU!

At GRACE, we're committed to breaking the cycle of illiteracy and poverty among at-risk children in Pattaya, Thailand. Sadly, Pattaya is infamous as a hub for sex trafficking of minors. Children of marginalized families are at extremely high risk of being trafficked and exploited.

Great responsibility has been entrusted to us with sixty-four children currently enrolled in our GRACE program. Through provisions and protection, we prevent these precious boys and girls from becoming victimized. Organically, we have intervened to ensure child safety as situations revealed woeful acts against the children. The GRACE child sponsorship program and GRACE Thailand Family Resource Center designations fund the program. Currently, we have 36 children with no sponsor and 5 children with partial sponsorship. Our GRACE Thailand team serves these children and families with greatness.

Through our Family Resource Center (FRC), we provide essential educational, nutritional, and wellness support. The FRC serves as a safe haven, offering programs that empower both children and adults with opportunities for growth and learning.

Please consider sponsorship and donations as we reach more children and families. Your donations make a direct impact on impoverished families, providing crucial preventative resources that help safeguard children from exploitation and hardship.

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Mar 13, 2024
Trafficking of Minors Increases as Academic School Year Ends in Thailand... But GRACE!

By Angie Sullivan | Cofounder, Project Leader

Nutritious Meals

GRACE exists to foster social change through strengthening families and eradicating the vulnerabilities of human trafficking and exploitation. Our mission is effectively administered through the GRACE Family Resource Centers in Thailand.

Schools in Thailand are ending their academic year this week. The children are excited and the parents are proud of their accomplishments. Unfortunately, for many young school-aged children, they will be left at home with an older sibling, left alone to contact a neighbor as needed, or be left to completely care for themselves as parents work. These days are primed to increase the vulnerabilities of marginalized families. But GRACE...

GRACE transitions from their regularly scheduled formal after school program to day camp. During school breaks and holidays, GRACE is open all day providing nutritious meals and snacks, educational development, socialization, wellness, and more in the safe environment.

The GRACE team is excited to invest in the lives of these precious children because they know the impact. The impact is directly because of your donations. The activities at GRACE Family Resource Centers are free to the families. The GRACE staff members provide shuttle service, breakfast, exercise activities, math/reading/writing/life skills/wellness lessons, lunch, arts/crafts/music/games/movies, and more with snacks mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Parents pick-up the children at shuttle points or from the center late each weekday afternoon. Provide * Protect * Prevent

Parents have comfort and peace knowing their child isn't only safe but being provided with opportunities to advance in their development. Parents are able to dedicate fully to their work which often results in promotions and more stable employment.

These things, and more, are possible because of your donations! THANK YOU!

Educational Development

Strengthening Families

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Nov 28, 2023
#WhyItMatters: Paeng's Story

By Angie Sullivan | Cofounder, Project Leader

At GRACE, we love sprinkling our social media posts with the hashtag "Why It Matters". We've been using it since the get-go, so why does it matter? Why does GRACE matter? Why does Thailand matter? Why do your donations matter? Why does anything we do matter?

I mean, sure, we could hit you with canned answers like "it's our mission to end human trafficking," "kids deserve an education," or "we're committed to breaking cycles of poverty and illiteracy." But let's switch things up and let me tell you about Paeng.

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How old was Paeng when she joined GRACE? Six years ago, when GRACE opened the Korat Family Resource Center, Paeng was just 12 years old.

Paeng lives in Korat. Can you tell me more about the community that she grew up in?Korat, the fourth largest city in Thailand, is known as the gateway to the Isaan region (the country’s northeastern region). Officially named Nakhon Ratchasima, Korat is the largest city and capital of the province.

What was her home life like? Was she attending school? Paeng lived in the “Railroad Slums” of Koart with her grandparents and aunt. This community had around 35 (substandard) housing units and one shared outhouse. Her mother worked in a different region and her father wasn’t in the picture (we were never given details about that situation). Paeng was already attending school when she joined GRACE.

What kind of kid was Paeng like when she joined GRACE? Paeng has always been a quiet and observant girl; she is very smart and creative.

How do you feel that Paeng has benefited from being a member of the Child Sponsorship Program? Beginning in December 2017 [when we first met Paeng], her family began receiving ongoing supplies of rice, cooking oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce – the staples of their diet. Additionally, she received new dental hygiene supplies and personal hygiene supplies throughout the year. Paeng was enrolled in our family resource center and received educational scholarships that covered the costs of attending public school, as well as access to all activities, including English language classes.

Tell me about Paeng’s sponsor. How did their engagement benefit Paeng? Paeng had a very engaged sponsor who gifted her with art supplies. Paeng enjoys art and often requested supplies on her Christmas wish lists. Paeng's sponsor also stayed engaged during the pandemic by sending designated gift funds for our staff to purchase supplies and gifts. Paeng's sponsor was very engaged and continues to keep up-to-date with the ministry of GRACE.

Paeng is now 18 years old; what does her life look like now? Paeng's story is a wonderful success! Paeng has been recognized in her school system as having extremely gifted artistic talent. She has been chosen to attend a specialized art school to complete her dual enrollment studies. She was granted residence in the dorms. She is very happy and excelling in her studies. Her family is very proud of her achievements.

What influence do you feel like GRACE had on her? GRACE encouraged Paeng to pursue art competitively and, if she desires, as a career. Paeng is a smart girl and makes wise choices. The GRACE staff have been an encouragement for her to live a life of honor, and to recognize she has tremendous value as created and loved by God.

Do you think Paeng would be where she is now if her sponsor wasn’t as engaged? Paeng always knew her sponsor was interested in her life and praying specifically for her and her family. I am convinced the engagement of a compassionate lady from across the world encouraged Paeng.

If we could speculate for a moment, what do you think Paeng’s life would be like if the GRACE Child Sponsorship Program had not come to her community? Girls are often considered commodities for labor trafficking and sexual tourism in Thailand; especially, if they are illiterate and have no marketable skills. With support from her sponsor to advance in academics, English language, and hone in on her talents, Paeng is well on the way to overcoming these multigenerational bonds.

Paeng's inspiring success story is a testament to the transformative power of support and individual encouragement and a prime example of why, it does in fact, matter.

It matters that you give.

It matters that you're involved.

It matters that you care.

It matters that you advocate.

It all matters.

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