Helping Children from Ex-Sex workers in Thailand

Capybaras, Creativity, and a Mother’s Tears

Sawadee ka!

Songkran is in full swing here in Thailand! As we celebrate the Thai New Year, our city has transformed into the world’s largest water fight. We’ve been out in the pickup truck with our giant water barrel, joined by hundreds of others in the streets. It is the perfect way to cool down in this heat, and the kids are having the time of their lives!

A Season of Discovery The fun actually started back in early March with the beginning of the school holidays. Thanks to a visiting team from the USA, our mothers and children spent a wonderful day at the newly opened Capybara Café. It was heartwarming to see the children interacting with the animals—not just the capybaras, but meerkats and turtles, too.

We’ve also focused on nurturing their creative side. Our older children attended a special arts class where they learned the basics of drawing and painting. We definitely have some future artists in our midst now, as they’ve continued practicing their new skills at home! Another highlight was a trip to a local international school’s "forest project." The kids learned about nature, tried their hand at archery, and even flew down a zipline before ending the day with a refreshing swim in the school pool.

The Power of Family: A Mother’s Story While the holidays are full of laughter, we were recently reminded of why the Tamar family is so vital. One of our mothers, who gave birth this past November, shared her testimony with us at the beginning of the year.

Through tears, she explained that during her previous two pregnancies, she was entirely alone. She went to the hospital alone, had no visitors, and returned home to care for her newborns with no help at all. This time, however, was different. She told us how much it meant to have the Tamar family by her side every step of the way—from hospital runs to regular visits and helping her settle back in with her baby.

There was hardly a dry eye in the room. While it is naturally difficult for her to leave her little one in our nursery as she returns to vocational training, she does so with peace, knowing our staff will provide the best possible care.

Her story is a stark reminder of the isolation many women in Pattaya face. Because of your support, these children aren't just surviving; they are having beautiful childhood experiences and, most importantly, staying with their mothers.

Thank you for helping us provide the supplies, the space, and the community these families need to thrive.

With gratitude,

The Tamar Family

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As 2025 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a year of profound contrasts. It was, in many ways, more challenging than we anticipated; yet, amidst those trials, we witnessed lives being beautifully transformed.

Today, we want to share the journey of one woman whose life represents the heart of why we do what we do.

Sky’s Journey: From Soi 6 to a Professional Career Sky (name changed) joined us in April. After a difficult season working on Soi 6, she entered our Vocational and Life Training program and discovered a hidden passion for hospitality. Her growth at our guesthouse was remarkable; she didn't just learn—she excelled.

With a clear vision for her future, Sky transitioned into a paid internship at a major partner hotel in Pattaya. Her performance was so outstanding that they offered her a permanent position! However, Sky has chosen a path of restoration: she is returning home to be with her family while working at a large local hotel. Her dream is to eventually work overseas to gain international experience.

Before she left, Sky shared her testimony with our newest trainees. She encouraged them to dream, to make a plan, and to never be afraid to ask for guidance. We are incredibly proud of her hard work and the woman she has become.

Life at Tamar: Celebrations and Changes Sky is just one example of the many women you have helped empower this year. Your support provides more than just training; it gives women and their children a chance at a new life.

• The Nursery: Our little ones at the Tamar Nursery have spent the last few weeks in a whirlwind of Christmas joy. Seeing their radiant faces as they performed and opened gifts at our party was a highlight for the whole team. [Please check out the Video link below!]
• A Season of Moving: December brought some logistical challenges. Due to a landlord's refusal to make necessary repairs to one of our houses, we’ve had to move out of this house and are currently looking to rent a replacement in early January.
• Outreach: We concluded the year with a Christmas party for women still working in the bars. While the turnout was smaller than we hoped, the impact was deep. We shared testimonies, offered vocational hope, and celebrated the true meaning of Christmas together. [Please check out the Video link below!]

With Gratitude Thank you for being a vital part of the Tamar Family. We invite you to enjoy the photos below from our holiday celebrations.

We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with good health and God’s richest blessings. We are deeply grateful for your friendship—we truly could not do this work without you.

With love and gratitude,

The Tamar Family

Links:

• Video from Tamar Internal Christmas Party
• Video from Tamar Outreach Party 2025
• Someone is happy about the gift!