The project started in August 2009 and is running many activities along the Thai-Myanmar border area targeting migrant children from Myanmar. Our Goals
The “Rays of Youth” project educates vulnerable children and youth about how to deal with social problems like human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, child rights abuse, sexual exploitation and drug abuse. “Rays of Youth” also trains young p
eople to be leaders in their communities and to actively participate in their environment. Community Awareness Raising
The goal of this activity is to raise awareness about the various problems faced by youth along the Thai-Burma border through training about health and personal hygiene, adolescent health, traffic rules, child rights, child protection, human trafficking and drug abuse. At ‘community roadshows’ we inform youth, their families and local communities by using drama and performance. Dramas inform communities about problems existing at the border area and where they can find help. With the performances of our own songs and traditional dances, we also want to share the diversity of our ethnic cultures.
2. ROY Leadership Program
20-24 selected students from Migrant Learning Centers are part of this program, to be youth leaders in their communities. They improve their skills in Thai, English and Computer programs and learn about problems local youth faces and how to pass on their knowledge as peer youth leaders. The Leadership Program lasts for one year for students to become youth leaders. After that time the trained youth develops and implements mini projects in their schools and communities sharing their knowledge and experiences gained during the program.
3. Media
Media activities include the production of short films, documentaries, songs, music videos, posters and providing “Media Production Workshop” to be able to create education videos. These activities inform and educate migrant people about the issues facing them in their daily lives.
4. Environmental Awareness
Through information campaigns we want to raise awareness about environmental issues and train young people to make Natural Detergent products. We provide workshops that show how to produce natural detergents, which can reduce family expenses and environmental pollution.
5. Music Project
The students learn different instruments and music theory in a professional way. That training gives them the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams in a creative way. The students produce a Music Album every year with songs composed by them. By playing music and singing together we want to overcome ethnic boundaries.
6. Cross Border Project
Since 2014 the Rays of Youth team has regularly implemented activities in Myanmar, beginning in the bordering Karen-State. In the future, more States and Divisions in Myanmar will follow in welcoming activities. Similar to the topics in Thailand, the team is organizing awareness raising activities for children, youth and communities about child rights, child protection, human trafficking, drug prevention and traffic rules.
