In July, we began a pilot program aimed at adding depth to our training of at-risk high school girls in northeast Thailand. Generously supported by OVOLPE Foundation, it involves providing the same group of students with continuous training throughout the year.
For most of what we do, we only have enough funding to run one workshop per school; participating schools have been asking if we could do more and with more depth. And so the birth of this pilot project with its first workshop ‘Preparing for Success’ rolled out to four under-resourced schools involving over 400 girls in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces.
Prior to the training, many of the girls were unsure how to pursue their educational and career aspirations. It also didn’t help that their schools had never organized similar activity outside of classroom instruction. And so we were a welcome distraction for both the students and teachers.
Over a three-hour session, we addressed the specific needs and challenges faced by the girls as they plan for their future, equipping them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to navigate post-high school educational and career options effectively. With this training, hopefully they can move up the economic ladder and not think they’re limited to being a farmhand, stay-home single mum, or domestic helper in urban centers.
We’ll be back in these schools again sometime this month to run our second workshop on family planning. Previously we had only skimmed the surface of this important life-changing issue. We’re excited to spend more time with the girls on the topic, this time with the help of a health professional. More will be shared after we complete this next round of training.
