Many Laotian youths who worked in Thailand end up returning home with money plus infectious diseases, says a Catholic nun.

“They want to go work in Thailand after they finish school because they think they would have a better life. However, many got infected with HIV or other health problems,” said Sister Joanne Maria Catherine, director of a shelter for young women in Vientiane. Currently there are about 40 young women at the shelter.

In response to this issue, a nun from the Laotian Sisters of Charity met with staff from the Thai bishops’ National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCCM) in Vientiane on Sept. 29 to request assistance in training young Laotian volunteers on occupational skills.

“We want to develop self-confidence, address health and social issues and provide vocational skills to Laotian youths. Many go to Thailand hoping to find promising opportunities, but most of them end up working at nightclubs, factories or construction sites. Many families became richer but at a cost of losing their children,” said Sister Catherine, a member of the Laotian Sisiters of Charity congregation.

Pipat Trichan, program coordinator of NCCM northeast section, said NCCM plans to provide youths with vocational trainings.

“We can provide them with vocational skills such as sewing and embroidery to help them become more independent. Our plans also include providing leadership skills and health education knowledge in order to enhance their livelihood and well-being,” he said.

According to Pipat, the NCCM works with the Lao Youth Health Action Programme, an NGO, and the Ministry of Health on a one year programme to provide vocational skills for HIV/AIDS victims in seven communities in Vientiane.

The NCCM is also collaborating with Thai health authorities in northeastern Thailand to assist Laotian youths working there. “We support the government, health care providers and local agencies in creating awareness about human trafficking, health and HIV/AIDS problems,” he said.

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