Openaid International

Kim: The view from here, Northern Thailand

You would never know ‘real’ Thailand until spending time in the North, as Katrina put it, and I’m so grateful to have known it. This place is gorgeous, the mountainous ranges and rice fields make for a perfect backdrop to watch the sun setting. Many landscapes have taken me far from my jumbled reflections, free of any thought but true appreciation for the view. Some of the people we’ve met here have been equally inspiring.

Chabaphai was one; a woman left to manage a job, a house and her family after her husband was critically injured in an accident. Without the ability to move his arm, both legs and communicate clear speech, he is now unable to participate as he once did in his children’s life, his wife’s life, his life. Openaid has been working with Chabapahi for three years, supporting her with various loans one of which was to start up a fish farm. With limited time and experience to manage it alone she was unable to repay the loan. We met Chabaphai and her husband. For me the hardest thing about this situation was considering how the children must feel growing up seeing their father in such a state. The hardest thing was witnessing that his mind was still there. His mental and remnants of his physical strength were still evident but trapped in a body that did not allow him full control, but perhaps full awareness of how his daughters, how his wife must now see him. This family was trapped in a situation of poverty. And what I saw that day filled me with such hurt and despair, that after three years of work with Chabaphai’s family we were still today visiting such a seemingly hopeless situation. On the trip we’ve been discussing many different considerations of Openaid’s benefits and limitations as a small Non-Government Organisation. With a greater focus of resources and time towards expanding Openaid’s team and funding, I felt we would be able to achieve a much broader and deeper reach, to build on our own capacity before we are able to offer others more effective support. One approach being to slow down our current operations in Thailand to first focus on recruiting and training staff. To me this slow-down initially seemed to involve halting high-risk loans, drawing back financial support for projects whose success was conditional on too many factors including weather, timing, experience and whose beneficiaries seemed to have limited ability to manage them. I felt as though it was not strategic to invest our limited resources into projects and people when there was such little likelihood of success. Unless we felt as though we could have a real effect and achieve our collaborative goals I felt as though our resources could more effectively be spent elsewhere - be that on building our own capacity to be confident in what support we can provide. However, my perspective comes from a theoretical background grounded partly in economics and there has been a lot more for me to take in.

Visiting schools has been a definite highlight of this trip for me, not only experiencing the warmth and energy of the girls we’ve worked with, but forming a much deeper interest in education; its many different aspects, approaches and roles in a community. Visiting families has been a lot more shocking and difficult for me considering the intensity and complexity of family situations and cultural practices, witnessing the reality that these girls go home to. The myriad of emotions has been difficult to process and record.

We’ve visited schools to run workshops with girls in Baan Or, Ban Phon and Pak Tuoy and from each I’ve taken real inspiration, Baan Or especially; a vibrant school with vibrant people. The principal at the school was an incredible man with genuine belief in and care for his students. Openaid has helped the school to set up six fish farms, the revenue of which supports the school and the families of six girls, selected by the principal as the most disadvantaged. The school also had a large expanse of land designated for growing rice for one season (which catered for school meals throughout the year) leaving a space for a vegetable garden during all other seasons. Participating in these projects gave students practical agricultural skills which were relevant to them in their rural setting, taught them about healthy eating and a sense of sustainability. Openaid has also set up a canteen now run by a group of girls, providing them with experience to take responsibility for record-keeping, handling and reconciling stock and money, practicing calculations, serving and communicating with students throughout the school and working as a team. As well as this, not only the girls, but the boys at the school are able to see a selected group of girls assume the management position and break down deeply engrained beliefs about the roles of women and men. Profits from the canteen are distributed to the families of the girls involved.

These projects have given me a sense of how broad and relevant primary education in a developing context can be, to encompass not merely traditional schooling but to include a whole spectrum of life lessons concerning the development of values and essential skills. Furthermore using resources to connect with and support families, to have an understanding of the children’s lives outside of school.

And that’s what we gained when visiting the homes of two girls in the village. The first was a girl called Ploy. She had been in my group when we separated into discussion and there was something quite chilling realising that the brightness and innocence of this young girl returned to such a dark place. Her mother worked in Pattaya, her father had left the family, her grandmother recently passed away and her older sister was just taken to Pattaya. Older meaning she was 15 years old. A truck had picked her up claiming her mother wanted her to come to work in Pattaya. Whether this was the truth or a lie, either was quite hard for me to comprehend. That someone else may have disclosed the girls’ address for money. I had so much difficulty understanding from my view how someone who has worked in Pattaya could wish the same for their own daughter or friend, however I recognise how the decision to give out the information of a young girl may have been driven by desperation or cultural context. Now living with her grandfather and younger sister, I felt sick understanding the reality of Ploy’s safety. The dream she had just spoken of in our session vastly opposed what her future held if that truck was to return when she reached the age desired by this industry.

The second girl we were unable to meet, however her grandfather alone gave me more than I was able to handle. Plaw’s parents were no longer in the picture meaning she’s been left to live with her grandfather who has sexually abused her. At 13 years old she has been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The principal at her school has attempted to support her and ensure she has access to medication, however as the head of the house Plaw’s grandfather was suspected to have effective control of her funds and there was always a sense of anxiety around how he is taking care of her. He informed us that he has begun to host gambling games within their home, meaning Plaw returns to a house of drunk men. I’ve discovered that sexual abuse is more common than we may suspect. Far too common. I would be surprised if you do not know someone who has suffered from sexual abuse and still deals with it emotionally today.

Why is this a reality?

I have experienced the effects it can have on people and it is not something that anyone deserves. I have seen what it can do, I cannot begin to imagine how people live with it ontop of the additional pressure and hardship I have witnessed in these communities.

Yesterday at another school I was really empowered by some of the girls I met, they gave me something real. One girl in particular had a profound influenced on me. I noticed her from the beginning, she was adorable. Rattana suddenly grabbed my attention, pointed to the girl and explained to me that she was Chabaphai’s daughter.

A wave of pain hit me that I cannot begin to describe. I felt as though I wanted to burst into tears. As the girl smiled at me I understood the reality of my initial opinion, to pull away support for her family because they were ‘high risk’. I felt like a monster to campaign so adamantly against giving her an opportunity.

For me this has left a significant lesson, question and conflict and really highlighted the struggles, realities and insights of a small NGO. I now know that in development there will be certain times where I have to consider more closely the real human effect behind my decisions of perceived rational basis. And certain times where I will need and struggle to remove my emotion from the process. It’s now that I have to peronsally work to discover some sort of balance, which does not compromise what I believe in. In the case of Chabapai’s family, meeting this girl was what I required to connect, in the same way as Ai, Justin, Rattana and others in the Openaid team, to the family behind the project, to consider perhaps not diverting our support elsewhere but directing our focus towards a deeper understanding of the most meaningful and effective approach to their situation. I am still determined to pursue development which can empower, can be sustained and can focus on the many different things people can lack in life, not necessarily economic wealth, but so many things including the lack of choice, rights and opportunity. Not only in the developing context but reflecting on the ‘developed’ world and what our lives may sometimes lack in terms of a sense of appreciation and resilience. The cultural context in any situation is fascinating, difficult and complex and something I am determined to learn and consider more as I continue. I now know that I need to constantly reframe my view to see the big and small pictures simultaneously, to understand individuals within a broader goal and draw from both as my sources of inspiration.

KIM: The realities of Pattaya

This is our fifth day here in Pattaya and I’ve already experienced so much, a whole rollercoaster of emotions. It’s hard to convey everything we’ve seen here in words. It’s been far more shocking and complex than I had imagined. The sex industry here is so well established, it’s hard to understand how it could have reached this point.

Driving round Pattaya we’ve seen streets and streets filled with young girls with male tourists. It’s the sheer extent and visibility of it all that has confronted me; being immersed in a whole town based around this industry, of countless men publicly, shamelessly being escorted by Thai girls.

The men are from all over the world and of all ages, with a particularly large number of elderly Western men. The services, restaurants and shops around the town demonstrate the range of nationalities being catered for here; European, Middle Eastern, Indian, American and I felt a sense of shame hearing an Australian man behind us last night direct another Australian man to ‘Soi Seven’, a street where girls are blatantly on display. There are not only men holidaying in Pattaya, but many who have come in their retirement, to spend their remaining years paying for the company of girls.

Some girls are trafficked here, while many are drawn to Pattaya by the money in this industry. A girl could make over 20,000 baht every night, whereas in most other professions she may earn as little as 5,000 a month. The two incomes are not comparable, especially for girls coming from impoverished backgrounds, who must consider the lives of their families back home. When there is a struggle for many families to attain such basic rights as shelter, clean water, security and food it is easy to recognise the way in which poverty can cause such vulnerability to be lured to Pattaya. I feel as though it must be incredibly difficult to consider whether or not the relatively high-income industry that involves such pain, both physically and emotionally, such severe abuse, disease and psychological damage, is truly the best opportunity available. However, this isn’t really a decision that girls are free to make, when we reflect on the reality of what choice means in their situations.

Pattaya has revealed many harsh and devastating realities. The children of the women who work here sometimes remain in the villages with their grandparents, far from their parents. While other children stay at the back of bars and brothels watching their mums, others walking the streets until their mothers have completed a night’s work. And it’s not simply girls here but there is also a market for young boys. Male tourists can pay to fulfill any fantasy.
What I cannot understand is the extent of demand, how the market for this industry could have grown so large. One woman engaging with Openaid’s work told us that she has been in the sex industry since she was 8 years old. When I think of my cousin Amy, who is now 10, I cannot comprehend how anyone can mistreat a child in that way.

That question became more real yesterday when visiting a school in Wang Ma Dua, 3 hours from Pattaya. I did a presentation to a group of girls aged 10 to 14, but what I most enjoyed was sitting down with the girls and listening to them. We talked to the girls about their aspirations and asked them to draw an image of what they wanted to become. Most of the girls drew impressive images of teachers or nurses, holding a strong desire to help others.

Two girls, Kwamg and Nes will stay in my memory, long after I leave Thailand. Nes stood out to me immediately. Her sincerity and curiosity made me feel so comfortable even when language was a barrier between us and I loved the imagination and kindness she revealed through her ideas. Kwamg surprised me with just how capable she was. Her incredible English vocabulary demonstrated a real drive to learn, a sense of effort and self-belief. These girls were beautiful, kind, talented, respectful and so bright in the sense of their intellect and the warmth that they shared. The potential of these girls was great; there was no lack of passion, ambition or capability, but a dire lack of choice and opportunity to maximise that potential.

I left the school inspired by this group of girls, by their values and character. However, witnessing the reality that one girl, Duong Jai, goes home to everyday filled me with concern. She travels home with her younger sister by bicycle past factories of men to an open and empty home, clearly visible to any vehicle traveling on the nearby road. They stay alone until late when their parents return from work. It was the vulnerability of these two young girls that really unsettled me.

Driving back into Pattaya I could see the pathway there; the poverty that impels girls into an industry where income is substantial and available. I could finally see, in the countless girls presenting themselves to male tourists, the face of the girls I’d met in the school. I could finally see a girl dancing around a pole as a girl who originally held a very different vision of her future; a girl who once dreamt of helping other children as a teacher, now helping an old man into a hotel room. Thinking of Kwamg and Nes, their ambition and brightness, it really hurt me to imagine that immense potential being quelled by this place, by someone’s sexual desires. I could not accept that those stunning girls would be conscripted to a life of prostitution. I know I have the opportunities to pursue whatever it is I want to be, to develop my passions. And my passion is to ensure that these girls have the same. They deserve the same.

Through Openaid’s work - speaking to girls about their development, their safety, sexual health and setting up small ventures like mushroom and fish farms that generate steady income - we are able to create the means for girls and communities to grow and escape this cycle. I have seen that there is both a need and capacity to provide these girls with the opportunity to access resources and support that signify real choice.

Kim: Leadership for Change

Hi!

My name is Kim and I’ve been part of the Leadership For Change program 2010, doing an internship with Openaid for the past 6 months. I’ve been involved in all sorts of things - from redesigning the website and doing presentations in schools and universities about the ways we can empower women, to helping out at the weekly community barbecue fundraiser. It’s been a great learning experience for me to see the ins and outs of a small NGO with a strong focus on local capacity building.

I’m 20 years old and currently doing a double major in Politics and Economics at Melbourne University. My passion is international development: to address not only the effects but the root causes of poverty and promote opportunities that can impact the course of people’s lives.

Education, I know, is a significant tool of empowerment. Both my parents came to Australia on scholarships when they were 18. Originally from Vietnam, my parents have worked extremely hard to get to where they are today and I have a deep understanding of how privileged I really am. I can’t rest hearing my own family’s stories of the hardship they used to experience due to the restrictions of poverty. And even harder still is knowing that people continue to suffer that reality today. Many people are vulnerable, not because they choose to be or because they are apathetic or helpless, but because the situations they are born into present them with a lack of opportunity.

This February I will be travelling with Openaid across Thailand visiting villages in Pattaya, Chon Buri, Mae Sot and Chiang Rai. I’m really excited to meet the people, to hear their personal stories, to visit Openaid’s projects and see what the reality is. I’m really interested to see how people respond to Openaid’s work and to see what effects our programs really have on people’s lives.

I can’t wait to see Openaid’s education and microfinance projects. Education provides a child with more than basic arithmetic and language but also gives them the chance to learn about their health, their rights and their options. Openaid’s microfinance loans have zero interest and allow people to establish a small business and generate their own income, building their way out of poverty. These two projects can have a real effect on the status of women. And women play a crucial role in community development. Giving a woman the chance to grow is giving her children a better chance to go to school and grow up healthy, giving her better choices in family planning, giving her greater means to create change in her community.

I’m really excited to see what things will really be like in Thailand. Keep reading for all my updates :)

Kim

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วรัญญา ปินะกาเส

Working with the Vulnerable…

Openaid’s work in Thailand is concerned with the prevention of sexual exploitation of women in Southeast Asia. Thailand is notorious for its flourishing sex trade and is known as the ‘Sex Capital’ of the world; the sex industry in Thailand is perpetuated through countless methods including go-go bars, massage parlours and brothels. Attempting to bring an end to the sexual exploitation of women in Thailand is a task that is hugely daunting and highly complex and the issue of sexual exploitation if fraught with complexity.

Prostitution in Thailand is actually illegal; however there is a lack of regulation or penalization for the practice and instead it is practiced blatantly and with a blind-eye from authorities. The support of the industry is a result of economic, social and historical reasons. The sex industry brings massive revenue into Thailand; the increasing popularity in ‘sex-tourism’ has also played a large role in bringing economic prosperity to Thailand. Thailand has economically developed very rapidly and this is largely due to the money raised from tourism and the sex industry. Prostitution has historically been prevalent in Thai culture for centuries; in the pre-modern era the practice of polygamy meant that there was a large incidence of ‘slave-wives’ who could be bought and sold by their masters often for purposes of sexual gratification. With the Westernisation of Thai culture this practice became illegal, leaving former slave-wives with little choice but to join brothels as a means of income. The Great Depression also led to an increase in prostitution as did the demand for Thai prostitutes during the Second World War from occupying Japanese military personnel as well as the demand from US soldiers during the Vietnam War. The shift from a subsistence based agricultural economy in the 1960s to a capitalistic one also fuelled urbanization which in turn led to an increase in prostitution.

Over the past few decades steps have been taken by the Thai government at local, provincial and national levels to address Thailand’s record and reputation regarding the sex trade. However, these steps have generally addressed the issue on the supply-side of the equation, with little regards for the demand. Without addressing the root cause of this practice there is little chance that any meaningful change will be able to eventuate. These efforts have however led to increased economic and educational opportunity for Thai women, which has led to a reduction in the vulnerability of Thai women to sexual exploitation. Despite these improvements the demand for Thailand’s sex trade still exists which has meant that although the face of Thailand’s sex-workers have changed, the practice remains much the same.

Thailand’s economic prosperity has led to its status as a ‘rising tiger’ in Southeast Asia. This has led to a marked increase in migration from neighbouring countries such as Burma fuelled by a desire for increased economic prosperity and refuge from politically oppressive regimes. With the decrease in Thai women joining the sex industry, Burmese refugees are readily available to take their place in an exploitative industry. Many Burmese women flee to Thailand to escape the documented brutalities of the Burmese military regime that has imposed human rights abuses such as forced relocations and the systematic use of rape as a tool of war. The Thai government however, refuses to recognize the refugee status of these women and thus does not grant them with papers or migrant status. This means that there is massive flow of unregulated migration of women from Burma to Thailand; their lack of legitimacy as refugees fuels the practice of illegal migration which leaves women much more vulnerable to exploitative labour in the sex trade and elsewhere.

Although recent years have seen a major increase in the vulnerability of Burmese women to sexual exploitation in Thailand the fact still remains that vulnerability is an issue that faces all manner of women in Southeast Asia. What is it then that makes these women so vulnerable? The factors are complex and numerous but it is clear that vulnerability is exacerbated by lack of access to education, lack of citizenship or political representation as well as by abject poverty. Many women find that with little or no status, education, or qualifications for non-sex work they are left with little choice but to enter the sex-trade.

So how are we helping to prevent this exploitation? Openaid helps to reduce the vulnerability of Southeast Asian women through the promotion of education (through our school-based projects) as well as through financial assistance and the provision of opportunities for women for education, leadership and meaningful change. We are also aware of the complexities surrounding migration from Burma to Thailand and we are helping to address this by bringing assistance to Burmese migrants in Thailand as well as to Thai citizens.

Hi!

For just over the last month I have been involved in a work placement with Openaid at their Carlton office working with the Information Management team. I am completing a subject as part of my Bachelor of International Relations program that requires 150 hours of placement with a non-governmental organisation, corporation or work place with an international scope. In my research of non-governmental organisations based in Melbourne I came across Openaid and was immediately attracted to the organisation for a number of reasons.
Throughout my degree I have focussed my studies largely on issues of development with a particular emphasis on the gendered experience of development, poverty and disadvantage. Openaid stood out to me for their unique approach to tackling the issues of poverty and sexual exploitation that affect women and girls across South East Asia on a daily basis. Rather than utilising a cookie-cutter approach to aid, Openaid endeavours to establish meaningful relationships with the communities they support as a means of determining the best possible way to deliver individualised assistance. As a female, I also have a strong interest in issues of gender and the way that poverty and disadvantage are becoming increasingly feminised. For this reason, Openaid’s particular focus on sexual exploitation and women’s experiences of poverty was another factor that attracted me to Openaid.
Openaid has always been aware of its small size. Despite the challenges of being a small organization, it still strives to deliver aid in the best possible manner it can and to as many people as it can. It realizes the importance of working closely with local communities to ensure that we are achieving the best possible results we can with our limited funding. Our small size ensures that we maintain ongoing relationships with the communities we help.. For example, when we provided housing to people living in unacceptable conditions, we called on members of the community to assist us in the construction. This has helped us in delivering assistance more efficiently and it has brought communities closer together.
Personally, I feel that the individualistic approach that Openaid takes is one of the strongest and most compelling aspects of the organisation. Too often development and aid can be faceless and impersonal and oftentimes there can be negative ramifications for disadvantaged communities. Openaid manages to overcome this by carefully considering the best method of assistance they can provide on an individual basis.
Coming from a financially stable background in a first world country, the opportunity to gain an education is a privilege that is easy to take for granted. Education is vital in creating opportunity for change and is a means of freedom from financial and social disadvantage. Openaid’s partnerships with schools across Thailand are fantastic programs that offer opportunities for education to young girls. They provide them with the tools to create sustainable futures. Our vision is one of aid that sustains itself long after our initial contact. It is really great to see the way our partnerships can create new confidence, positive change and reduce vulnerability to exploitation and mistreatment for young girls in South East Asia..
After more than ten years of operation in South East Asia and here in Melbourne, Openaid has found itself with a need to streamline its internal and external methods of communication, particularly as it grows and develops as an organisation. The information management team, headed by Adithi, is in charge of this important task and this is where I come in. We have begun by revamping the Openaid website, adding and streamlining information so as to give a clear idea to the public of what we are about, here at Openaid. We have also recently started a new Facebook fan page (please join us!) in the hopes that we can engage with a wider audience and get people talking about the important issues of poverty, gender issues and exploitation experienced all too often by women all over the world. We are also working on bringing out a monthly newsletter so we can keep everybody up to date with what we are working on at Openaid.
Working with Openaid is a really rewarding experience and it is fantastic to see how passionate the team is about helping others. You can support us by coming to our weekly barbecue at Essendon DFO, all proceeds of which go directly to our projects in Thailand and Burma. Alternatively, if you think you have something you can bring to the table at Openaid we would love to hear from you. We are always happy to involve people who are passionate and dedicated to helping us to provide meaningful and effective change and development.
It is an exciting time for Openaid, with plenty of hard work going on behind the scenes to raise our profile and work towards helping as many people across Southeast Asia as we possibly can. Keep your eyes on the Facebook page, Website and blog for exciting news and developments at Openaid!
Elena Prisco-Durst

Spring is coming and we are on the move – taking opportunities and setting up new initiatives. So we want to make sure that we give every chance for passionate and committed people to get together with us to discuss our various needs.

We are looking for people to work with us in Melbourne and Thailand. If you’re interested in connecting with us please let us know.

How do you ensure that the most vulnerable girls and young women in Southeast Asia are given what they need most to protect themselves from abuse and exploitation?

Our vision, values and goals are the driving force behind everything we do. We believe that in our world, people who don’t have a voice and vulnerable to exploitation must be supported.

Our vision is freedom and hope for vulnerable girls and young women in Southeast Asia. We establish relationships and build trust with communities. We are helping families and particularly young women to build lives and very important changes in Asian communities.

Since 2002, founder and Executive Director Justin Whitecross has been developing relationships with schools and villages in remote areas of Thailand, Burma and Laos. Now team members develop projects and manage progress, while doing in-the-field training.

It’s the people that matter. This is what we believe and our approach and style is shaped by this conviction.

What impact will we achieve in 2010 and beyond? We have very clear goals and are tackling challenges. We provide opportunity for donors to achieve their goals and welcome questions.

Would you like to find some help to volunteer in Thailand? Lots of people do voluntary work overseas.

Openaid provides opportunity mostly for women with project management experience and passion for grassroots development to empower vulnerable young girls. The organisation is confronting challenges and capable people will find unique opportunities to learn, cultivate new skills, and help forward projects.

Contract duration can be discussed but longer stay is encouraged.

Imagination

There are no limits to what this organisation can achieve. I know that since establishing Openaid we have helped thousands of people and changed lives.

On top of everything happening this year, I see remarkable people joining the team and I know the organisation will be even more capable in 2011. We also want to hire a Marketing Manager, Administrator, and BBQ Team Manager in Melbourne. We are also looking for capable project managers to join in Thailand.

Is Openaid a not-for-profit you would like to support?

All potential supporters have particular information needs to process before deciding to commit support. Please email office@openaud.org.au to ask for information.

Leadership For Change

Kim and Adithi have been selected for Leadership For Change 2010. You can read their reports and all program details on this blog.

Imagine what Kim and Adithi can achieve? ISPT have again sponsored LFC and everyone is excited to see Kim and Adithi doing great things with their projects.

It’s raining and cold in Melbourne but the BBQ show rolls on.

Tammy starts today at 11am and we expect some fun as she ‘experiences’ the BBQ for the first time. No doubt capable people make programs capable of great results. Everybody expects Tammy to do well.

We roster 3 or 4 staff each Saturday and Sunday. The day starts at Justin’s house at 7am packing the van and preparing foods and equipment. Brendon is responsible for that.

We pick up 400 rolls and 20 loaves of bread and drive to DFO in Essendon. The van is unpacked: eskies, tables, BBQ, and lots if equipment. Driving the van (Mazda Econovan) requires experience and skill and we are always looking for capable people.

Setting up normally takes 30 or 40 minutes and follows the same procedures. A ‘day manager’ is always on site and steers the team, responsible for safety and the overall presentation. Leading the activity is not easy and requires a lot of experience, strong body, and genuine commitment to the cause.

Busy time of the day is between 12.00 and 4.00pm. Lots of customers! Lots of meat! Lots on onions! Lots of work! Things slow down at 4.30pm and the van is slowly packed, ground washed and site cleanned ready to leave and drive back to Justin’s house at 5pm.

Clean up at Scotia Street. Always fun. Everything is thoroughly washed and prepared again for Sunday (or packed away in readiness for next Saturday).

The day generally is finished at 6pm.

Another Openaid BBQ.

Monday opens the routine again… final clean up and stock orders.

Friday is onion day and 60 kilos is peeled and cut!

Fantastic fundraising and community interacting. It’s the heartbeat of the organisation and everyone involved is unique and makes the whole program capable of amazing results.