Thailand is the last decade, has experienced great changes, which have the lives of everyone in the kingdom. Some people have prospered and continue to do so; others have soared only to plummet with equal rapidity, while very large numbers have remained unblessed by any "trickle-down" wealth and do not have the skills and qualifications to profit from opportunities presented by economic growth. Amongst this disadvantaged sector of the population lurks temptations to lure children into the market as cheap labour, sex workers or beggars in a desperate effort to assuage poverty.
Child-Watch Phuket was established in December 11, 1995 as a legal non-government organization, set-up and managed by the local community and has operated up the present. By protecting, assisting and taking care of children's rights effectively the organization has become well recognized. In 2006, the organization received a Royal Award for its Legal & Protection Emphasis on the Rights and Care of Children & Youth from the Ministry of Social Development & Human Security.
Objectives
1, To help children in Phuket from being abused.
2, To assist children in Phuket systematically and professionally.
3, To create awareness on children' rights.
4, To provide less-fortunate children with welfare, health care and basic education.
Target Groups
1, Child labour
2, Children in the sex industry
3, Prisoners' children
4, Beggars
5, Abused children
6, Street children
7, Children-at-risk
Operations
At present, Child-Watch operates seven programs, including:
1, The Holland House Program established in 2006
Address: 58/36-37 Moo Baan Kathu Thani, Kathu Phuket (This is the center for less-fortunate children.)
Office Hours: Monday - Friday Time: 8am. - 4pm.
2, The Baan Lung Pitak (Prison Program)
Started at September 22, 1997. The site of center is located at the of Prison Showroom next to the Phuket Prison. The room is provided by the Superintendent of the Prison free of charge. The Center takes care of both prisoners' children and less - fortunate children from nearby areas.
3, Baan Boob Pitak Program (Knowledge & Recreation Center)
Address: 58/80 Moo Baan Kathu Thani, A. Kathu, Phuket. The center is a place where youth and their families can spend high-value time and take part in activities together to create bonds within the family.
4, Case Follow-up Program
The objective is to assist and give advice to children and their families when they have to go through the legal system e.g. at a police station or court. We coordinate with different government departments and private sector organizations is order to achieve fairness for the children.
5, Mobile Teaching Program
The project provides out-of-school education enrichment for disadvantaged children from various communities.
6, Scholarship Program
Child-Watch Phuket cooperates with government and private organization both inside and outside of the country to fund scholarships for needy children in Phuket. In the year 2000, there were 106 scholarships at Baht 1,500 per child and by year 2006 there were 303 scholarship at Baht 3,000 to Baht 8,000 per child.
7, Milk-powder Program
The program was set-up in the year 2000 to assist children who need supplementary food. In 2006, 300 children benefited from this program.
FUNDING
The operations budget comes from donation boxes in various locations, donation money from both goverment and the private sectors (both inside and outside of the country.) Children-Watch Phuket also organizes the "Pitak Dek Mini Marathon" a yearly fund-raising event. With all these projects in-hand, Children-watch Phuket needs more financial support and we would appreciate your kind contribution.
Telephone / Fax : 076-276396 Mobile: 081 7195690 (Thai)
More info e-mail : may@patongbeachthailand.com (Thai, English, Chinese)
