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Empowering
Migrant Children and Youth for a Brighter Future.
Hello
Rays of Youth
Since 2009
Empowering History of Rays of Youth
In 2008, Help Without Frontiers took a significant step toward empowering migrant youth by sending three students from Migrant Learning Centers to participate in a year-long leadership training program in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand. This program, part of the Mekong Youth Net (MYN) initiative by the Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities Centre (DEPDC), focused on training youth leaders to combat human trafficking across the Mekong region.
After completing their training in 2009, these young leaders returned to Mae Sot, Tak Province, and launched the MYN Mae Sot Project in August of that year. Initially starting as a small initiative with just three full-time and one part-time staff members, the project quickly grew, driven by the passion and commitment of its team. With support from DEPDC, what began as a mini project evolved into a key initiative under the Help Without Frontiers Thailand Foundation.
In 2011, recognizing the project's growing impact and its integral role in the foundation’s work, we embraced a new identity - Rays of Youth. This name symbolizes the energy, enthusiasm, and hope that the program brings to the lives of young migrants. Since then, Rays of Youth has continued to empower migrant children and youth, helping them to become leaders and advocates for positive change in their communities.
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Rays of Youth - Youth Empowerment Program
Since 2009, the Rays of Youth (RoY) program has been a cornerstone of Help Without Frontiers, dedicated to transforming the lives of young Burmese and ethnic minority migrants. These young individuals often undertake risky journeys to escape challenging conditions in Myanmar. Upon reaching Thailand, they face new dangers like forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation, with limited education and support to help them overcome these obstacles.
Rays of Youth was created to change this story. We believe that education and empowerment are key to helping these young people build brighter futures. Our program provides training on essential topics such as children’s rights, online safety, sexual health, and personal hygiene, giving them the tools they need to protect themselves. We also focus on developing life skills, leadership abilities, and creative talents, helping them gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive in their new environment.
A crucial part of our program is youth empowerment. Through our vocational education training (VET), we equip young migrants with skills for meaningful employment and successful careers. Our youth leadership program enhances their understanding of border issues, life skills, and leadership qualities, enabling them to make a positive impact in their communities. Since 2017, our Youth Network Group has played a key role in identifying issues, conducting research, and raising awareness. We have trained over 300 youth and reached more than 57,000 community members. Despite challenges, including the closure of our office in Hpa-an in 2021, our commitment to empowering migrant children and youth remains strong. Thank you for supporting our mission and joining us in making a difference.
ROY Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The Rays of Youth team is a vibrant, multi-ethnic group with a strong background in youth empowerment, creativity, and media. We blend diverse skills, innovative leadership, and media expertise, allowing us to tackle challenges creatively and effectively. Our unique strengths make us a powerful force for positive change in the communities we serve.
Today a child, Tomorrow a leader.
