TFS’s research and experience shows that poverty is the driver of much vulnerability to trafficking. Through this, they provide resources and trainings on soft business skills, financial literacy, and income-generation activities to our scholarship students and their families. TFS currently partner with 28 at-risk families to sustainably increase household income. These families engage in diverse income-generating activities, including 22 who cultivate vegetables for additional income, 3 involved in corn harvesting and animal sales, 2 families specializing in selling embroidery crafts, and 1 family sells grilled chicken. By providing sources of sustainable income, these families are transformed, gaining the greater ability to keep their students in school and decreasing the lure of traffickers.
The Sunline Foundation is supporting the sustainability program that will enable them to expand the market for 7 families, for a total of 35 at-risk families in Chiang Mai. In addition, the funding will allow TFS to expand their Financial Management trainings and skill development to 60 families in our communities.
Increased income and reduced risk of children falling victim of human trafficking.
Ms. Buche, a member of our Sustainable Livelihoods program, cares for her niece Meji, a scholarship student, and her two siblings after their mother separated from their abusive stepfather. Despite being unmarried and childless, Ms. Buche embraced her young relatives, providing for them as a vegetable seller.
With support from The Freedom Story’s scholarship program, Meji continued her education. Meanwhile, Ms. Buche joined the Sustainable Livelihoods program, gaining skills in sustainable farming, household accounting, and income generation. She and Meji managed their finances together, reducing expenses and increasing income through careful planning and support.
Ms. Buche shared her knowledge with the community, inspiring others. Her success grew, involving Meji in the business, teaching her valuable life skills. Thanks to Sunline Foundation’s support, Ms. Buche improved her family’s financial situation and became a community role model, demonstrating the power of sustainable livelihoods. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and impactful support.
