By Sr Dr Euphrasia Daruna Mesomklin*, Thailand
Province of East Asia
As we celebrate the International Day Against Human Trafficking, I am deeply humbled to share my reflections on our mission, efforts, and the divine grace that has sustained us through the years – guided by God’s love and compassion.
Good Shepherd Thailand‘s battle against the scourge of human trafficking began in earnest in the country’s border cities of Chiang Rai and Nongkhai, where the problem was particularly severe. In these regions, economic hardship led many families to make desperate decisions. Traffickers exploited this vulnerability, offering parents money in exchange for their daughters, who were then taken away with false promises of employment in Bangkok. These girls often never returned, falling into the abyss of exploitation and abuse.
We have established communities in these areas to prevent the girls from migrating to Bangkok. This initiative isn’t limited to the hill tribes but includes girls from all over Thailand. Our community programs focus on continuing their education and providing necessary support. By doing so, we aim to give these girls better opportunities at home, thereby reducing the risk of trafficking. The education and support provided by our communities in Chiang Rai and Nongkhai play a crucial role in this effort, ensuring that these young girls have a future filled with hope and opportunities rather than despair.
Recognizing the urgent need to intervene, we began by training young girls. These girls became empowered leaders of their communities. With the skills they acquired, they returned to their villages to train others, thus preventing them from becoming victims of human trafficking or abuse.
In 2004, after the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean, which severely affected Thailand’s coastal regions, we were further galvanized into action, realizing the extent of the exploitation in these border areas. Our initial efforts focused on providing education and building community support structures to prevent trafficking. We established programs to keep girls in school and offered vocational training to equip them with skills for better job opportunities.
In 2006, with the grace of God, the support of Caritas Italy, and dedicated partners-in-mission, we expanded our efforts by establishing the Good Shepherd Development and Vocational Training Center Patong. At this sanctuary, we equip individuals with the skills needed to secure legitimate employment and escape the cycle of exploitation. We provide vocational training in hairdressing, Thai massage, English, and computer skills. These programs are more than just training: they are beacons of hope, offering women and young girls a chance to escape the darkness of the sex industry and step into the light of new opportunities. Meet the team involved in this work in the below video.
Our work in Pattaya, a city known for its bustling nightlife and, unfortunately, its high incidence of prostitution and human trafficking, began with a mission to rescue and rehabilitate those caught in the web of exploitation – with a focus on providing immediate relief and long-term solutions. We collaborated with dedicated partners to establish a center that offers comprehensive support services, including safe shelter, counseling, medical care, and vocational training. This center has become a haven for those escaping the clutches of traffickers, providing them with the tools to rebuild their lives.
Through God’s guidance, we have witnessed countless miracles. Women who once felt trapped in hopelessness have found new beginnings. They now run their own businesses or have secured dignified employment. Our English classes, for instance, have empowered many to communicate with confidence, opening doors that were once firmly shut.
Our ministry extends beyond training. We provide emergency support, counseling, and medical care. The Good Shepherd Home for Hope offers a loving refuge for pregnant women, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during and after pregnancy.
Our Congregation is currently journeying through a process of restructuring, a testament to our commitment to serve more effectively. This new governance structure, inspired by the Holy Spirit, has already brought about significant changes, allowing us to respond to the needs of our communities with greater agility and compassion. We are learning to allocate resources more efficiently, expand our programs, and reach more souls in need.
On this International Day Against Human Trafficking, I give thanks to God for the journey we have undertaken. It has been a path filled with challenges but also divine blessings and the unyielding courage of the women we serve. With our new governance structure and unwavering faith, we continue our mission to combat human trafficking, striving to build a world where every girl, woman, and child can live with dignity and hope, wrapped in the embrace of God’s love.
I invite you, dear friends, to join us in this holy mission. Together, guided by His love, we can create a future free from the bondage of human trafficking.
*Sr. Dr. Euphrasia Daruna Mesomklin completed her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Preston University, USA. Read her vocation story in August’s OLCGS newsletter.
