May 2009

Lighting the Way

StarKids shifts the spotlight onto child exploitation

WORDS CATRIONA GILLIES LAWSON

Thailand, rich in culture, history and natural attractions is visited each year by millions of tourists eager to experience its exotic delights. Of the more than 14 million tourists who visited Thailand last year, over half of these were return visitors. And it’s not hard to see why. Pristine beaches, spectacular scenery, delicious cuisine and engaging culture and customs are just some of the attractions.

However, as with all highlights there are shadows too, and in Thailand one has been cast by sex tourism. Thailand has by far the largest sex industry in South-East Asia with much of the trafficking being controlled by well-resourced Thai entrepreneurs who have extensive networks in the region.

StarKids, the fundraising partnership between Jetstar and World Vision Australia, supports many projects and one of these is the Assistance, Support and Protection of Migrant and Trafficked Women (ASAP). The Thai economy is dependent on migrant labour but workers like those from neighbouring Laos and Myanmar (where economic growth is stagnant and political repression high) are extremely vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and trafficking.

The goal of ASAP is to reduce the number of women and children trafficked for sex work or other forms of exploitative labour.

It specifically addresses the increased vulnerability of migrants who have already entered Thailand and who have few legal rights and little education.

ASAP works with children, youth and migrants who are trapped by trafficking. The project runs programs to decrease vulnerability and improve education and life skills. It also provides services like increased support and protection, guidance and support for career alternatives, and training of peer educators.

Peer educators, like the children involved in the youth advocacy groups, are working to raise awareness of child protection and the danger of human trafficking within communities. The youth advocacy groups are also significant because they provide opportunities for these children to exchange experience and knowledge by participating in regional and global forums that tackle these issues.

Sustainability is key to the success of community-based projects like ASAP and the involvement of young people in the community is critical.

StarKids welcomes your support for projects like ASAP that encourage children to be active in their communities. You’ll find a StarKids envelope in your seat pocket. Please drop in your loose change and pass it to one of our staff. Thank you from StarKids!

TAKING CHILD PROTECTION ISSUES GLOBAL

Jane lives with her grandparents on the Thai side of the Thai/Myanmar border. When only eight, her mother died and with her father working Jane took on new responsibilities within her family. Over the years, she has also become active within her community to improve conditions for families and children.

Now aged 14, Jane is involved in an ASAP-supported project. Through the World Vision Foundation of Thailand Youth Advocacy Group, Jane has been helping educate her peers, including children from both Thailand and Myanmar. Her role is to alert children to the serious dangers facing vulnerable children in the region. Many individuals and illegal organisations target young children for trafficking, prostitution, sex tourism and pornography. Raising awareness and education for individuals and communities are recognised as key ways to reduce the dangers.

Jane’s involvement in the Youth Advocacy Group led her to be selected by her peers and World Vision Foundation of Thailand to represent Thailand in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Consultation and Youth Forum for the World Congress 111 (WC111), both held in Bangkok last year. In November, following her involvement in these two events, she was among 300 children from around the world selected to go to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for the WC111 Against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents. Jane represented the youth of the EAP region and the other children came from a wide variety of regions and backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common: they were all actively involved in their community as youth advocates, raising awareness of child protection and the danger of human trafficking.

The WC111 was the biggest event ever held on child exploitation. During the conference, Jane shared her Thailand advocacy experience in a workshop titled ‘Youth as Protagonists’. She was also keen to share her experience and use what she had learnt to educate young people in her community about child protection issues.

The trip to Brazil was Jane’s first time to visit another country, and on an aeroplane, but with her dedication and resolve to make changes and improve the lives of other children, we suspect it won’t be her last.

ABOUT STARKIDS

Tim Costello, CEO World Vision How did StarKids come about?
StarKids is a humanitarian partnership between World Vision Australia and Jetstar. The partnership supports community-based development projects in Australia and across Asia and aims to improve the lives of families living in poverty. It’s about giving children a brighter future.

What does StarKids aim to achieve?
StarKids aims to raise AU$3 million in three years. The support given to World Vision through StarKids will go towards transforming the lives of vulnerable children.

How can Jetstar passengers help?
Your donations would be most welcome! Please place your small change (all currencies) in the StarKids envelope located in your seat pocket. The money collected from Jetstar passengers will be given to World Vision Australia for community development projects in Australia and Asia. You can also donate online at www.jetstar.com/starkids

Where can I get more information about World Vision projects?
Visit www.worldvision.com.au or www.jetstar.com/starkids for more information.