Friday, August 20, 2010

Self-Reliance in an Akha School

After working with a number of Akha children at an anti-human trafficking school in Chiang Rai, Thailand, it was brought to my attention how real the threat of human trafficking is. One of the best defenses against human trafficking is real-world, practical education. When children are well-trained, they become economic boons rather than burdens to their parents.

When I was chatting with the school's director about what she needed most right now to further this work, her request was simple: a sewing machine. This would teach the children vital tailoring skills that they could use to sell wares at the night market. Of all the things they could ask for,a sewing machine is a relatively simple request, one that a couple hundred American dollars can procure without anyone breaking a sweat.
Yet with this simple gift, we're not just giving them a handout: we're purchasing a tool that will give these kids vital life training that will both bless their families economically and provide them the foundation for a productive life in the years to come.

Please donate. These kids are shrewd, capable, and ready to learn. They're good kids who are fighting very adult problems. The reward will be more than apparent when you see the pictures of the happy students gaining new skills to provide for both their families and community.