Meet Our Children These girls represent the more than 275 children (including a few boys) granted scholarships in 62 Phayao schools this year. We are dealing with second-generation trafficking effects: women who used to be prostitutes in Bangkok have returned to Phayao to live and raise families. Sadly, many of these women return with HIV and die too young, leaving their young children behind. Some of the children we support are affected by HIV/AIDS and all are living on family incomes of less than $400 USD a year. |
Sirimat Wongboot
Attends Baanpang School. Both of her parents died from HIV when she was just 9 months. Since that time, she has lived with her grandparents who find intermittent work as day laborers in nearby farms. Sirimat likes to study religion and science and would like to be a nurse when she grows up. Thankfully, Sirimat does not have HIV, but her future is still uncertain without parental guidance and support. |
|
Kanika Tiangtam
Attends Baanka School. Like Sirimat, she lost her parents to HIV when she was young. She now lives with grandmother who is general employee and has a drinking problem (alcoholism is also common in poor areas of Phayao). Kanika likes to study the Thai language and would like to be nurse |
|
Luksika Homnuan
Attends Baansopsa School. Sadly, Luksika contracted HIV from her parents, both of whom have died from the disease. She now lives with her grandparents who are farmers. Luksika is an excellent student and likes English and science; she would like to be a teacher when she grows up |
These stories underscore how difficult it is for these girls and boys to find reliable support for their education. We at ELF have committed to providing that support through scholarships and partnerships with Phayao teachers, who provide crucial follow-up about both the children's education and life outside of school. |
Please consider donating to help us empower these girls and boys. |