Prevent Child Trafficking Through Education

Every year in Thailand, more than 800,000 students drop out of school. For many, leaving school isn't a choice—it's a matter of survival. But without an education, these children become far more vulnerable to cycles of trafficking and exploitation that can last generations.

Recently, 19 students who were at risk of dropping out of school took our child development course—the first step in our proven model to prevent human trafficking. These students, known for gang involvement and drug use, were at a high risk of being trafficked or exploited.  But through the course, they transformed vulnerability into possibility.

 The child development course is the first resource shared with The Freedom Story's Prevention Partners. One of our 11 trained partners introduced the course—focused on self-awareness, financial literacy, and children's rights—to this group.

 "The children shared that what they learned—combined with the love and care they received—made them feel they no longer wanted to do things that were harmful or unhelpful. They started to love themselves more, have life goals, and hope to accomplish these goals," says Rin, a program manager with The Freedom Story.

 The transformation was so profound that school officials knew it couldn't stop there. In 2025, their school became the first government-funded school to integrate the Freedom Story's child development course into its curriculum.

 Twenty students, identified as being at the highest risk of dropping out, are currently participating in the course for academic credit. This step doesn't just help those students—it sets a precedent for how schools and communities can work together to stop child trafficking before it happens. 

• 88% of their families live on $2 or less—per person per day.
• 52% have family members who were trafficked.
• 28% of their parents never attended school. 

Thanks to your generosity, these students joined The Freedom Chapter in time for the new school year. Now they have the tools they need to break cycles of exploitation at the source! Each group of students chooses their own name—and this cohort chose “Sunflower.” For them, sunflowers are a reminder of the loving support they will show each other. It's incredible that in so little time, these students are already exhibiting the type of compassion and leadership that creates long lasting change in communities.

Their commitment to communal care reminds us that, even in dire circumstances, small acts of support can create lasting change.Every time you give to The Freedom Story, you sow seeds of support and safety that blossom into the future. We are so thankful for your investment in these students.Together, we are turning prevention into possibility. 

From the Sunflower Chapter: “We just want to say a big “Thank you so much!” for giving us this chance to go to school. If we hadn’t received this scholarship, we don’t know what our lives would be like. Some of our families are struggling, and some of us don’t have a mom or dad—we have to work and study at the same time.We’re really grateful to be chosen for this support. It helps our families with things like school fees, clothes, food, transportation, and school supplies. We promise to do our best and make the most of this opportunity.”

Thank you so much for being a part of their freedom story. 

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