Send 70 At-risk Children to School in Thailand

Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic is still affecting our work here at DEPDC. The last three months have seen an increase in reported cases, averaging 200-300 per day from RT-CPR and ATK testing. Mae Sai has set up a screening point for Covid-19 patients and quarantine sites for those at high risk, especially those that have lung problems. When diagnosed with Covid-19, a person is screened as a red or green patient after being seen by a nurse or medical personnel and after blood oxygen and body temperature have been checked. People with serious symptoms or at a higher risk for more serious symptoms are treated and quarantined at the provided facility. Green patients with less severe symptoms, after receiving medications are sent home to self quarantine for a period of at least 10 days. Here at DEPDC we have 4 teachers and families as well as 3 students that have been infected with Covid-19. 

Online learning has allowed for us to continue our important work of education and empowerment. This term we had online learning activities with students from Singapore. The study time was divided into three periods. From 9 am-11:15 am there was a big group study with all the students. From 1:15 pm- 2:15 pm there was a group review with activities. From 2:20 pm- 3:45 pm there was a small group study (5 students per group) that focused on lesson review, speaking, drawing, and gestures. The classes lasted for 5 days and each day had a different topic. The topic for day one was time and date. The topic for day two was social and migration issues, weatherand the students made a gesture of thanks. The topic for day three was animals. The topic for day four was occupations. And the topic for day 5 was cultural exchange, school space, and in the afternoon there was a review session in the small groups and an overview summary in the big group with all the students. 

The results from the learning activities were interesting. The results found that online learning activities did not produce an increase in learning. This was mainly due to problems with pronunciation and the children were not able to fully concentrate on studying and learning due to difficulty hearing and becoming bored. Online learning requires creative ways to keep the activities ongoing to engage the children. In-person meeting, talking, and doing activities together is a more conducive environment for children learning better. 

To all our past, present, and future donors we would like to thank you for your continued support in keeping this program running. Education is at the core of DEPDC’s mission to prevent the trafficking of vulnerable youth and thanks to your donations we are able to do just that.