top of page
PROTECTION
We proudly provide a number of protection programs to ensure the safety and well being of migrant children and women in the Mae Sot area.
Our 3 children's shelters - combined at a new complex in 2018 - meet the needs of orphaned or abandoned children, those that have experienced trauma or abuse, and those whose parents send them to Mae Sot for education. Through our Children's Crisis Center, Safe House, and Boarding House, we have been able to provide shelter, food, and educational opportunities for thousands of youths.
The only facility in Mae Sot where HIV+ women & children can live while receiving anti-retroviral treatment from nearby hospitals
Children's Shelters
CHILDREN'S SHELTERS
Safe House
While previously staying in separate small houses, all of SAW’s 170+ children reside at SAW’s complex, which features a football field, a playground, SAW school, a garden, a communal dining and cooking space, the new SAW office, and three shelter buildings. Opened in 2018, SAW’s new complex provides ample room for youth to live, study, and play so that they may enjoy their childhood as much as possible.
SAFE HOUSE
Many migrant parents struggle to make ends meet - some are forced to abandon their children, and others die from incurable diseases such as HIV. These circumstances leave children with nowhere to go, susceptible to child trafficking, high infant mortality and teenage pregnancy. The Safe House continues to provide hundreds of children with housing, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and a structured formal education since its founding.
Boarding House
BOARDING HOUSE
Migrant workers and their families often face unstable living conditions, pressure from employers for children to work, and a lack of educational opportunity in their communities. Boarding House offers children from these families a safe and stable home, education through SAW school, and a supportive learning environment with nightly tutoring sessions and extracurricular activities.
CCC
CHILDREN'S CRISIS CENTER
The Children's Crisis Center (CCC) addresses the basic needs of disabled, abused, trafficked, and orphaned children and ex-child soldiers. It provides education, trauma counseling, and healthcare services for up to 70 children (ages 5-18) at a time, while protecting them from becoming prey to sweatshop labor, sex trafficking, and the drug trade. Children arrive to the CCC either directly to SAW or via referral from Thai healthcare institutions and authorities or SAW's network of CBOs, NGOs, and Peer Educators. When possible, SAW tries to reunify children with their families. Some have been able to migrate to a third country via UNHCR, while even more are currently working in their respective fields, thanks to the opportunities provided at the CCC. Over 1,200 children have been provided shelter at the CCC.
HCH
HEALTHCARE HOUSE
Prejudice of migrants from Burma compounded with the stigma of living with HIV/AIDS makes it especially difficult for many women & children to find a home and opportunity. Those who suffer this disease frequently get sick, preventing them from work opportunities they need to provide for their medications, food, shelter, and—for some—their children. Since 2005, the Health Care House (HCH) has provided sustainable physical + mental health programs for women and children living with HIV/AIDS. HCH provides residents trauma counseling, anti-retroviral medication, regular blood tests, and transportation and funds for hospital visits. Vocational training & women's empowerment workshops at HCH help residents become productive members of society while improving their mental health. Sustainability is ensured as residents are trained to be peer educators, helping vulnerable sections of the migrant community learn about reproductive health and actively contributing to decreasing the spread and stigma of HIV.
RED RIBBON AWARD
In 2008, SAW was awarded the UNDP Red Ribbon Award, in recognition of the organization’s courage, resilience and strength in responding to the global AIDS pandemic at a grass-roots level. SAW’s holistic, community-based approach to combating AIDS amongst the disempowered and overlooked Burmese migrant community was recognised as an example of effective community leadership and initiative in providing ongoing, creative and sustainable treatment, care and support to PLWHA.
-
Provides shelter, care, and support for PLWHA in the migrant community
-
Stops progression of HIV through guaranteed provision of anti-retroviral medication and regular health status checks
-
Monthly Health Education
bottom of page