Carol Sasaki, Founder of IHF, has been helping to protect children from sex and slavery since 1985 through SAVE. In 2000, IHF was established to become a preventive arm of SAVE. After more than 25 years of direct experience in human trafficking and the abused poor around the world, Carol firmly believes in IHF's mission "to educate the poor, and to educate the world about the poor".
Specifically, we would like to focus on the activities of one orphanage - why and how we care for the vulnerable children in IHF Chiang Rai Orphanage, Thailand. The objective here is to provide our children, both Christians and Buddhists, from the hill tribes of Lahu and Akha with skills, attitudes, confidence and character, all needed for them to integrate and to earn a measure of success in the modern Thai society.
WHY? Chiang Rai Orphanage's children come from Akha and Lahu tribes, whose origins are from Yunnan and Tibet. The Akha came to Thailand in the early 20th century, mainly due to their persecution in Burma. Akha is also the most down-trodden and often most impoverished of the hill tribes. Lahu tribes are found mostly around the Burmese border. The following gives a brief story of the struggles of these people and children, their heart wrenching experience, and why Carol Sasaki, and many like-minded volunteers feel compel to act and to inform/educate the world …
While many countries have resolved their long-standing border disputes and countries around the world have applauded these efforts that create peace, many small ethnic populations and nomadic tribes, without any understanding of land ownership and without a unified voice, became state-less. This is a complicated history that has affected tribes worldwide, including the Hill Tribes of Thailand. For some of these populations, having no identity means not being allowed to leave their villages, having bank accounts or even a driver's license. In short, making survival precarious.
During the Vietnam War, the Hill Tribes were able to survive a drought period by meeting the soldiers' desires for drugs/women. It was during this period, when our work with the Hill Tribes in rescuing/setting up SAVE homes for sex slaves began.
Without any legal protection, the war on drugs initiated by the government in 2003, left more than 3,000 people dead, leaving many babies and young children behind. Many of them were Akhas. Under such conditions, and unable to overcome the effects of rapid economic development in the region, many Akhas hope to find jobs in town. However, without citizenship, many end up as illegal workers, often badly exploited by their employers. Often they worked for 12 hours a day for as little as 100 baht (US$1.00), well below the minimum wage. Some hope to educate their younger generation in the towns but do not have the means to do so. Some families, due to abject poverty, have no alternative but enter into transactions to place their children in a job that often ends up being "debt bondage". Sometimes with disastrous results, as in human trafficking and worse ...
How? IHF provides a safe home which is situated on the outskirts of Chiang Rai town. We enjoy the quietness of being at the end of the road, while still being close to town. The home backs up to a forest where the children like to play. Our friendly neighbors, who own a candy store, is where our children often visit. We have both a boy and a girl dorm, joined by a common area, where we eat our meals, and where the children do their homework.
IHF offers dual education programs: For local children/orphans, classes range from kindergarten to 12th grade. The children are encouraged to practice language skills in Thai and in English, and they help each other in learning. Mathematics, computer, sports and social skills are also being taught. For overseas volunteers or students, they have the option to participate as "interns"; to learn and to experience first-hand cultures other than their own. They will educate and share such positive experiences with their respective communities upon returning home …
Our staff is mostly volunteers, who are much needed and always welcome! We have numerous volunteers, who are self-funded, staying for periods of 1-3 months each stay. The volunteers drive the children to school, help with home work, do some administrative work and make sure the operation runs smoothly. Interacting through playing with the children, practicing English with them and to bring joy into their lives are very important aspects of this work. Every center is a family. As a mother, Carol is protective about this concept. It's not a mere institution, but rather operates like a family unit. Our staff included two women from the Hill Tribe that have been with our family for many years. Recently, we have invited volunteers from around the world. And in late 2008, for the first time in over 20 years, the founder has allowed westerners to become part of our volunteer staff. Local staff & volunteers create traditional weaving products that can be brought through IHF.
We fervently hope that our passion has struck a chord with your compassion and you will act in support of our programs. We are at a juncture where public awareness and support are urgently needed