ORPHAN CRISIS IN THAILAND
Thailand is a beautiful country known for its beaches and delicious food. It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European country. In the Thai language, the country’s name is Prathet Thai, which means “Land of the Free,” all while the children of Thailand face poverty, HIV/AIDS, child labor, and child abuse to name a few.
There are a multitude of factors that contribute to the orphan crisis in Thailand. UNICEF estimates that approximately one million children live in extremely dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, one of the reasons for family separation and child abandonment is poverty. Furthermore, several natural disasters over the years, including the 2014 Boxing Day Tsunami claimed thousands of lives and left many people displaced. As a result, countless children were left without parents or a home. In addition to poverty, 290,000 have been orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Orphaned and abandoned children face exploitation, sex trafficking, child labor, child abuse, mental disabilities, malnutrition, disease, and poverty.
Many tribal communities exist in Northern Thailand, including the H’mong tribe. Discrimination is a reality for the H’mong people as many do not have official Thai nationality. This heightens their struggle to survive. H’mong people are denied work, and their children are denied a proper education. Unfortunately, crime is often a result. Youth pregnancy, prostitution, and poverty are some of the outcomes for H’mong women, leading to high incarceration rates and sex trafficking. Numerous children in these communities are abandoned and left to follow the same cycle. These children depend on homes like Zion Children’s Home to provide them with a safe haven from the vulnerabilities they would otherwise face.
ABOUT ZION CHILDREN’S HOME
Under the umbrella of Project Justice International, Zion Children’s Home is a safe haven for the most vulnerable children in Thailand. The heart and mission of Zions Children’s Home is Isaiah 58: “Learn to do good. Seek Justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows”. Most of the children entering the home have come out of abuse, have drug-addicted parents, or have been abandoned due to poverty.
Zion Children’s Home focuses on holistic strategies in its fight against child exploitation. They work through the sphere of prevention, protection, justice, and restoration. They are giving sustainable support to the children and families most vulnerable. A primary focus for Zion Children’s Home is to create educational opportunities for each child in its care. The children attend school, are given meals, and are encouraged to grow spiritually by being taught the Bible along with worship services. The children are offered weekly sports and exercise outings as well as social events and excursions. Giving these children the proper tools to combat the obstacles they will face will give them hope and a bright future.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.
PROMINENT ISSUES
ABANDONMENT
Many families cannot provide adequate care due to poverty, incarceration, and teenage pregnancy. As a result, abandonment has become a rising issue among Thai children.
ABUSE
It is not uncommon for children to be exploited for monetary gain. Drug and alcohol-addicted parents have also played a part in child abuse.
SEX TRAFFICKING
With no one to care for them, vulnerable children are sold into prostitution. Thailand’s Health System Research estimates that children in prostitution make up 40% of prostitutes in Thailand.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
Zion Children’s home is located in a rural setting with plenty of space for the children to roam and play. The bedrooms are gender appropriate and provide each child with a warm place to sleep.
HEALTH
The children receive regular dental checkups at school as well as vaccinations. Sick children are taken to local clinics. When a medical emergency arises, they are taken to the local hospital.
FAITH
To learn and grow spiritually, house parents teach the bible every Monday and Tuesday night and lead the children in worship. There are also prayer and worship services throughout the week. On Sunday, the children attend a local church.
EDUCATION
Proper schooling is a big priority at Zions Children’s Home. All school-aged children are enrolled and are given the tools to succeed academically.