Lessons in Strength: How Girls Are Learning to Stay Safe and Stand Tall

Imagine stepping into a room filled with young girls—curious, eager, and, for some, a little uncertain. They’ve never been taught how to recognize danger, how to protect themselves, or even who to turn to in times of crisis.

This was the reality for 366 girls from four schools in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces—until they joined the Prevention of Danger workshop in January 2025. With the generous support of OVOLPE Foundation, Pratthanadee Foundation gave them something invaluable: the power to protect themselves.

A Wake-Up Call: Why This Workshop Matters

Before the training even began, we asked the girls about their experiences with violence and safety education. The responses were sobering:

🔹 84% had never attended a violence prevention workshop before.
🔹 77% had experienced or witnessed violence firsthand.
🔹 51% had encountered danger in school—where they should feel safest.
🔹 50% reported online risks, from harassment to cyberbullying.

These numbers tell a story we’ve heard too often: Girls are vulnerable, yet they lack the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. That’s exactly what we set out to change.

More Than Just a Workshop—A Life Lesson

From the moment the first session started, the girls were hooked. This wasn’t just another lecture; this was a hands-on experience.

They didn’t just listen; they practiced self-defense moves. They didn’t just read about safety; they acted out real-life scenarios. They didn’t just learn emergency numbers; they committed them to memory, knowing they could one day save a life.

Over the course of the workshop, they tackled:

✅ How to spot and avoid dangerous situations
✅ Basic self-defense techniques to escape harm
✅ The truth about consent, bullying, and digital safety
✅ Where and how to seek help when they feel unsafe

And the results? Unforgettable.

From Fear to Confidence: A Remarkable Transformation

At the start, many girls hesitated to even speak up about danger. But by the end? They were standing taller, speaking louder, and walking away with a new sense of confidence.

📊 Before the workshop, their average knowledge score was 54.43%.
📊 After the workshop? A staggering 96.44%.

And that’s not just a number—it’s a sign that these girls are better prepared to face the world.

✅ 97.5% now know exactly what to do if they find themselves in danger.
✅ 96.4% understand how to prevent risky situations before they happen.
✅ 95.6% believe they will use what they learned in real life.
✅ 93.9% now know where to go for help.

What the Girls Had to Say

💬 "I used to feel helpless, but now I feel like I can stand up for myself."
💬 "I didn’t realize how common these dangers were until now—I’m going to be much more careful."
💬 "This was the most useful thing I’ve ever learned at school. Every girl should know this!"

Thank You, OVOLPE Foundation!

We couldn’t have done this without the incredible support of OVOLPE Foundation. Thanks to their generosity, 366 girls now walk through life a little safer, a little stronger, and a lot more confident.

At Pratthanadee Foundation, we’re not just teaching—we’re transforming lives.

If you believe in empowering girls with the knowledge, confidence, and life skills they need to thrive—join us. Share this story, talk about the issues, and help spread the word about the power of education and support.
👉 Together, we can create brighter futures—one girl at a time.