what is a child worth?

All too often children are at risk of exploitation in tourist destinations, but by supporting the StarKids’ program you can help protect the innocent

WORDS CATRIONA GILLIES LAWSON

No child deserves to
be exploitedTo lucky travellers, Thailand is a rare gem with stunning vistas and the smiling faces of friendly people. Rich in culture, it offers a bountiful mix of cosmopolitan shopping and nightlife complemented by the breathtaking serenity of the natural landscape. In the south, Thailand is framed by unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands. The hinterland boasts one of the world’s most fertile rice plains, abounding with tropical fruits and colourful, traditional culture. And the cooler, mountainous north is home to exotic orchids that thrive among the archaeological mysteries. There’s something for everyone in this paradise.

But sadly, the reality for many of Thailand’s children is often a far cry from paradise.

On the streets of popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok and Pattaya live thousands of children who have been abused, neglected and left to fend for themselves.

Many of these children are forced into unthinkable situations such as begging, forced labour and prostitution. These innocent children – victims of human trafficking – are often taken from their families in rural areas to work in Thailand’s booming sex industry.

StarKids, the philanthropic partnership between Jetstar and World Vision, is providing hope to these vulnerable children by supporting World Vision projects in both Pattaya and Bangkok.

Through the partnership, Jetstar aims to contribute AU$3 million over the next three years to support a range of vital development projects across their flight network, such as in Thailand.

Children are given opportunities
to escape poverty and enjoy
their childhood by learning how
to read, write, sing, dance and
play again. Trauma Counselling
will help them regain some of
what they have lostJetstar CEO, Alan Joyce, believes that Jetstar has a responsibility to provide hope for the children of Jetstar destination countries. “The destinations Jetstar now serves offer some of the most wonderful tourism and holiday experiences in the world today. But they also harbour a need to support community and society programs to help people lift their economies and social infrastructure.”

For over 10 years, World Vision has been working with vulnerable children in Thailand providing security and support through education centres, safe houses, life skills and educational training, legal assistance, youth camps, counselling and crisis hotlines, as well as advocacy initiatives within the community to promote children’s rights.

Initiatives like these aim to prevent children from being exploited, and provide them with support networks and a healthy social environment in which to grow up – things that those in developed nations often take for granted.

Unfortunately, many children continue to be exploited in Thailand, and World Vision works closely with the government, authorities and local community to strengthen awareness within the Thai community to reduce the number of women and children being trafficked and exploited.

StarKids is playing an important role in supporting these World Vision initiatives, which aim to give Thailand’s vulnerable children a brighter, safer future.

The joy of childhood – isn’t it what all children deserve?

No Bed of Roses

At the age of seven, Mia* was sold by her mother and trafficked from her home in Myanmar to Bangkok, Thailand. She worked from 9pm to 6am every day, selling roses to customers in a chic bar. Each night she carried and sold about 100 roses for Bht 20 (AU$0.64) each.

“Sometimes, people bought all of my flowers,” she says. “They said children shouldn’t work and I should go home. The first time that happened I was stunned. I always thought it was normal for us to work.”

After almost four years, Mia was arrested by the Bangkok police, sent to the Immigration Detention Centre and then transferred to a local government-run child protection centre.

She was eventually tracked down and brought home by a World Vision employee who works to assist, support and protect trafficked women and children in Myanmar.

Now Mia attends World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s education centre, studying Burmese, English, Thai and other life skills. She’s enthusiastic about the future. “My mother calls me sometimes. She says she doesn’t want me to work any more. She wants me to stay here and go to school.”

*Names have been changed

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.