Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Seeking donations for a two week arts and dance workshop at a home for sexually-exploited, abused, and at risk girls

In Thailand alone, an estimated 800,000 children are the victims of sexual trafficking. Most are between the ages of 12 and 16, but some are as young as four. The child trafficking network searches impoverished and rural communities, seeking vulnerable children from families burdened by debt and poverty. These children suffer unthinkable abuses as victims of the multi-billion dollar commercial sexual exploitation industry.

Located outside of Chiang Mai, the Baan Yuu Suk shelter offers a safe home for fifteen to twenty girls who have been sexually exploited, at-risk, and abused. The girls are provided with a multi-disciplinary education, vocational skills, and a supportive and encouraging environment.

In March, we will be traveling to Baan Yuu Suk to offer a two week dance and arts workshop. We want to provide the girls with a fun experience and introduce several creative activities. We all value the role of art and movement in our own lives, and want to share our enthusiasm.

We are looking for donations to help make this workshop a success. Your donation will be used to purchase the supplies—from paint brushes to palate knives—that we need. With enough funding we can not only offer introductory instruction, but also leave behind materials for the girls to continue to enjoy.