Open AccessHuman Trafficking NGOs in Thailand: A Two-Site Case Study of the Children Served in Education Programs
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
slavery today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2333-7222
DOI - 10.22150/stj/bpvm5076
Subject(s) - vulnerability (computing) , intervention (counseling) , poverty , thematic analysis , political science , politics , work (physics) , human trafficking , economic growth , qualitative research , public relations , psychology , sociology , criminology , medicine , nursing , social science , mechanical engineering , computer security , computer science , law , economics , engineering
In this qualitative case study, two Thai Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) shelters/schools working with human trafficking survivors and at-risk populations of children ages 5-18 were examined. This study takes the stance that the work of the NGOs needs to be understood through the first-hand perceptions and attitudes of NGO staff and the children they serve. Education is an intervention designed to achieve the mission of both NGOs. Education is treated as a means of preventing human trafficking and protecting human trafficking survivors from returning to exploitative situations, though the effectiveness of the intervention is unclear. This study sought an understanding of the perceptions and attitudes of the staff and children at the NGOs. Thematic findings explored cultural, social, economic and political issues impacting the children served at the NGOs. The issues of statelessness and poverty as well as secondary issues were explored through interviews with students, teachers and staff at the NGOs. NGO efforts to reduce the vulnerability of children are discussed, as well as the barriers that both children and NGOs face in vulnerability reduction efforts.