Haven for street children from Pattaya

Thanks to financial help from, among others, the Lufthansa Help Alliance, it was possible for the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand (HHNFT) to open a shelter for stray children in Pattaya.

In Pattaya and the surrounding area alone, there are already more than 3.800 children who lead a wandering existence. With this new center it is possible to offer children help and support, so that they are not at risk from drugs and sexual threats.

Children up to the age of 18 are helped per month with basic living conditions, such as food, clothing and medicines. More important is that they get a sense of security and trust in this center, so that they do not have to be wary of any kind of exploitation. Many of these children come from migrant workers who work on the many construction sites in the city.

There is a complete lack of (medical) care and education. The core task of HHNFT is to offer these children a better life. This consists of 4 parts, namely: a first contact, an immediate offer of help, re-socialization and prevention.

Specialized staff try to make contact with these children and build up a relationship of trust. This is done in cooperation with the police, who are involved in certain cases. A problem is that these children are not officially registered in Thailand and therefore cannot go to school.

The HHNFT tries to stand up for the rights of these children, so that they cannot simply be deported from the country, but receive an education program and learn skills necessary for daily life. Guidance is provided by competent and specialized experts.

More info: www.hhnft.org