THAILAND: Developing the Quality of Life

International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor

US Department of Labor

International Labor Organization

IPEC

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Country Map

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Background

Survey showed:

10,000 children in 8 northern provinces did not complete secondary education

50% were girls

Girls victims of trafficking

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Objectives

Sema Pattana Chivit (Developing the Quality of Life), 1996-1999:

To develop & validate modern educational approach for prevention of trafficking of young girls from 5 to 14

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Objectives

Main strategy:

Provision of scholarships and placements in 15 boarding schools in Thailand

Module of alternative education developed

Pilot testing in three schools

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Process

Phase 1 (1996-97)

Develop improved curriculum

Develop educational module

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Process

Phase 2 (1997-99)

Educational module & vocational training tested in pilot project

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

Boarding school curriculum upgraded

Marketable job skills included

Only small number dropped out

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

Actions taken to reduce drop-out rate

Promoting socio-cultural activities

Awareness raising with parents

Program to earn income during school

Promotion of success stories

Emergency counseling services

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

Total of 17,395 girls granted scholarships in three years

Program will expand to other provinces

Strategy proved to work

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Lessons learned

Sema Pattana Chivit program replicable:

Government involvement makes it sustainable

Scholarships are direct benefit to girls

Works within the educational system

Target girls effectively reached

Curriculum meets specific needs

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Challenges

Research required into factors pushing girls into prostitution

Parents’ attitude towards education must be changed

Procedures for financial support need streamlining

Priority to occupational & skills training

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Challenges

Career counseling for girls & parents

More training for teachers

Extension of educational support to upper secondary level

Include project in national education plan

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor

US Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC