Safer and better life for children of migrant workers; Phase II

IOGT-NTO Movement, in partnership with The Association for Promotion of Children and Youth and Family (APCYF), has been working on a project in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, for over 10 years. The project aims to create a safe and suitable environment for migrant children, from the family level to the community level. One of the initiatives is the ”Preschool Preparation Center,” which offers education to marginalized boys. The center currently has 120 students aged between 1.8 and 3 years old, many of whom do not have ID documents, preventing them from attending public children’s centers. Their parents, who are migrant workers, often work in orange groves, putting the children at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. This not only affects their health but also hinders their development, making it difficult for them to enter school.

Fang district, where the project is based, is located near the Thai Myanmar border and relies heavily on agriculture, particularly onion, lychee, and orange plantations. The demand for cheap labor in these industries attracts migrant workers from Myanmar, both legally and illegally, seeking better economic opportunities. However, the economic and political situation in Shan State, Myanmar, has been deteriorating due to factors such as the long-term civil war, the impact of Covid-19, and the recent coup d’état, leading to conflicts and worsening economic conditions.

In Fang district, the population consists of Thais, registered migrant workers, and undocumented migrants. The number of migrants in the district exceeds that of Thais, with around 50% of migrant workers working without a valid work permit. This lack of legal status deprives migrant workers of their rights and access to social welfare services provided by the Thai government. Many migrants also face language barriers, preventing them from accessing information and advocating for their rights, thereby worsening their situation and that of their children.

As a result, children of migrant workers face various challenges, including limited access to healthcare services, exposure to domestic violence, and child abuse. By addressing these issues, the project seeks to improve the well-being and rights of migrant children in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

 Read more about APCYF work. click here