For MYN1-4 who are always learning new skills and developing themselves as great leaders, a chance to have frank and becky originally from America Louisiana, who now live in Chiang Mai to carry out a two-day seminar for them was brillant and crucial to their understanding and aiding further their knowledge of human trafficking as a whole. They broke down the topic in to catogeries using a powerpoint presentation, myself- Lucy, Graziella, Sarah,Lara and P’coun were present at the meeting also along with Sompop who translated for myns.

They also talked about stories of cases giving examples of situations they have been envolved in, or had to deal with,explaining how they overcame the problems and the best ways acess and correct the matter in hand. A really nice touch that Frank and Becky use at the end of their seminars was too sing a few songs, they chose Linoel Richie- ‘we are the children’ and the magnificent Louis Armstrong-’ what a wonderful world’, as music can speak out to everyone’.  

A suprise for everyone was that p’coun created a sign for Frank and Becky ‘Saying TO THE WORLD YOU MAY JUST BE ONE PERSON, BUT TO ONE PERSON YOU MAY BE THE WORLD’. A statement that they made during the seminar. They was extremely and delighted at the gift from P’coun and signed their names on the bottom of it, a real nice touch to close the workshop.     

Together with the ISV volunteers we joined the MYN5 group, we went into the meeting point in town, anything from 8-12 other schools were there, around 1′oclock we began the walk through the town. thankfully the rain stayed away, we ended up in the town hall where all the children gathered.

 There was various shows from theatre groups, singers and dancers as well, the shows were talking about human trafficking, sex exploitation, and child labor situations. The main presenters of the day were always asking for volunteers to go up on to the stage for games where they could win prizes. The day finished around 4 o’clock, and myn5 really seemed to enjoy the day. It was great also for me to be part of the walk, as making child labor awarness increase is a must, and days like these should help to combat the fight to make it stop or at least minimise the risks for these vulnerable children.   

This and next week we have the pleasure to host 8 young women from America and Kanada volunteering at DEPDC through ISV programme. They are participating in the English Radio show, building a nursery in the garden, and new stairs in the playground, and they are doing Art workshops with HDS and DEP children. In addition they participated today with the DEP kids and the MYN5 students in a survival training: crawling through the mud, touching worms, eating oranges without fingers, walking in the rain through the jungle, and swinging over the pond on the rope, they showed that they are ready for the challenge…Thank you for your enthusiasm, and work at DEPDC.

Yesterday DEPDC had the honor to host the U.S. Ambassador in Thailand and his wife. They showed big interest in DEPDC’s work and programmes, and where particularly interested in the current situation of human trafficking in the region. The Ambassador also, took the chance to send out a message life on the spot through our Child Voice Radio.

Over the last few weeks, news coming out of both Burma and China has been tragic. DEPDC has received many emails asking about our role in the rehabilitation and support efforts in both of these areas. Unfortunatly, DEPDC is in the same position as the rest of the world. We want to help in whatever way possible but our ability to help directly is limited. As of now, DEPDC is collecting clothing and food stuffs at the Mae Sai site which we will then pass onto the Thai government in the hopes that they reach people in need in Burma. We are also strongly encouraging people interested in helping with monatary donations to consider giving to Oxfam/Netherlands. Oxfam Novib have been long time supporters of DEPDC and have a strong, reputable presence in the rescue effort in Burma. Please visit their website at www.oxfamnovib.nl for more information. 

It has been awfully quite around DEPDC Mae Sai over the summer holiday without the smiling faces of the children of the Half Day School. So, it is with great pleasure that we welcome back two kindergarten classes and our 1^st-6^th grade classes. This year, there are 128 students who are taking classes on site at DEPDC, Mae Sai, Half Day School. This program is generously funded by Co-Operaid.

In the evening there are also Community Learning Center classes in Thai Language, English Language, Arts and Crafts and other workshops. These classes serve the community by offering free continuing classes to anyone who might be interested. The classes are attended by religious leaders, children from the community, young mothers who don’t have time for school otherwise and everywhere in between. It is truly a joy to have such a diverse and enthusiastic group of students on our campus everyday. The Community Learning Center is generously supported by Anesvad.

From April 26-29, 2 MRI students and 3 DEP students had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with 6 time Ironman Champion, Mark Allen.

The Olympic Solidarity training program for Coaches and Athletes was held at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. The event was attended by student athletes and coaches from all over Southeast Asia. Mark Allen provided training in swimming, biking and running over the course of this three day workshop.

The DEP and MRI students that attended have already demonstrated that they are great athletes but the training that they received during this workshop could take them to the next level of their sport. One of the MRI students even won the grand prize drawing during the closing ceremony and will now receive personal on-line training from Mark Allen.

We are very proud of all the students that attended and hope that they can use what they have learned from this experience.

DEPDC has been enjoying the Thai New Year festivities. The staff and students have been away with their families, friends and communities enjoying the holiday. We hope that you all had a great Songkran holiday as well. 

The Mekong Youth Net would like to welcome its’ 5th group of students. The students come from Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and China. They are very special group that is committed to serving their communities and learning about the problems of human trafficking.

On April 15th, the MYN 4 students took part in welcoming the MYN 5 students in a special welcoming ceremony. They offered their prayers and good wishes to the new group.

On April 11th, 2008 DEPDC had the honour of hosting Princess Madeleine of Sweden.The Princess was interested in seeing the projects that World Childhood foundation has funded. She was also interested in interacting with the children and seeing the daily activities of DEPDC. Her Royal Highness, Queen Silvia of Sweden has been a long time supporter of World Childhood foundation, who are generous donors to DEPDC.

The Princess came to visit the DEPDC center in MaeSai, Thailand where the MYN students preformed local, traditional dances. The students also were able to show The Princess the weaving, art and activities that they had been a part of.

After visiting MaeSai, the Princess was escorted to the MRICRH center in  Chiang Khong where she was able to interact with the children there and share a meal with Alinda Wettasin and Sompop Jantraka, the director and founder of DEPDC.

We were honoured to have Princess Madeline come to visit both the MaeSai center and MRICRH. It was a special day for both the children and the staff.