Soroptimist International has received the 20th annual progress report for the Soroptimist International AIDS Mediation project. The report, covering 2011,shares details of the projects and initiatives first funded by Soroptimist International in 1995-1999.
This quadrennial project, conducted in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, was
designed to address the high rate of HIV infection in the region
and the number of young women entering the commercial sex industry. SIAM project activities concentrated on providing the target group with information about HIV / AIDS and raising their awareness regarding the dangers of entering the commercial sex industry. In order to minimise the risk, the project supports vocational training and education programmes to empower and enable women and girls to have a livelihood which minimises the risk of HIV infection.
Working in partnership with the Population & Community Development
Association, income-generating projects were set up in 10 villages in the
Chiang Rai region. Occupational training for young women and their families was provided, with a
revolving loan fund to support these activities. Typical subjects of occupational training included northern Thai style
weaving, passion fruit growing and basket making. Village banks were set up,
run and regulated by the villagers themselves.
Education and awareness raising campaigns about
HIV / AIDS and the commercial sex industry were delivered to the whole community. SI also funded formal and non-formal
educational scholarships for 12 – 25 year old women and girls. An ongoing endowment fund was set up. The project currently works with 19
villages to prevent young women from entering the commercial sex industry.
Last year (2011), the projects continued to provide assistance to villagers in the target areas. Activities continued to promote the dangers of HIV / AIDS and the commercial sex industry. Dek Baan Noi Youth Club members used hand puppets to disseminate information to their target audience – a serious message conveyed in a fun way! During the puppet plays, emphasis was placed on trafficking and impact of HIV / AIDS.
Another good way of sharing information was through mobile information units and workshops. Project staff, government personnel and private sector companies came together to hold awareness raising campaigns through quiz contests and exhibitions on HIV / AIDS. Chiang Rai conducted a training workshop in August 2011 for Youth Health Ambassadors. 80 people attended the workshop and learned about trafficking, drug use, and HIV / AIDS.
Scholarships:
A total of 84 scholarships were awarded to students for the 2011-2012 school year. The students come from economically disadvantaged households, are from single parent households or orphaned, and are deemed to be at risk of being trafficked and are affected by HIV / AIDS directly or indirectly. Home visits are conducted month to foster good relationships between the schools, the care giver and the project staff. It is important that families and communities are aware of the importance of education, particularly for young girls.
Village Development Bank:
The village banks in ten project villages were able to provide financial assistance to more project members. Financial assistance for occupational activities is linked to providing assistance to persons affected by HIV/AIDS. The village bank can purchase materials/equipment at wholesale prices. This means that farmers can purchase seeds, fertilizers and other essential items at reduced prices, reducing their expenses whilst increasing their yields. Any interest earned by the bank funds welfare assistance. For example, community development projects, including AIDS prevention activities, and funeral costs.
Children’s Bank:
These banks provide interest free loans to members for their children’s education and other child related expenses.
Revolving Loan Fund:
In 2011, more finances were invested into the revolving loan fund of the village development banks in order to increase the working capital to finance occupational activities and to stimulate the local economy. Some village banks have revolving funds of over 3 million baht which provides great financial security, as well as a viable financial alternative to sending daughters away to work.
The loans fund a range of local projects. For example, eight families have received financial support to increase corn production which is their main source of income. With project support, these families have increased their income by 50%. Helping families to increase their levels of disposable income has a positive impact on young women as this provides the opportunity to pursue higher levels of education – aspirations and dreams become a reality!
Find out more about SIAM by clicking here.