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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Country Map

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Objectives Sema Pattana Chivit (Developing the Quality of Life), : 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Phase 1 ( ) Develop improved curriculum Develop educational module

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Process Phase 2 ( ) Educational module & vocational training tested in pilot project

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Problems & achievements Boarding school curriculum upgraded Marketable job skills included Only small number dropped out

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor Organization IPEC