We are happy and proud to share that our work is growing. We have recently expanded to a new province: Nakhom Phanom. It’s one of the poorest provinces of Thailand and it’s neighboring Mukdahan, where we have an office already. HIV is still causing many issues and many families are struggling hard to survive. Help is much needed.
During the thesis of 3 Siam-Care students in 2021, we learned about the dire situation in Nakhom Phanom: there are high numbers of HIV-infected people, and there is no one helping. The local government lacks the knowledge, and there are no NGO’s to offer training, educational support and family care. In March of this year (2022) we organized several meetings with local hospitals, the ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the university of Nakhom Phanom. We all quickly agreed that help is needed and that Siam-Care would step in to offer knowledge and support.
What will Siam-Care do to help?
1. Offer family support
Just like in other provinces where we work, we will enable families to stand on their own feet. We will train them in such a way, that they can look after themselves and become self-reliable. First, we ensure that families have all basic needs, such as food, as house, and clothes. Then, we offer job-trainings, budget-training, offer mental and spiritual support, make people aware of their rights (what government support are they eligible for?), and more.
2. Offer educational support
We help children to finish their education. With a finished study, it is much easier to find job. And to look after oneself. Our goal in this is to help families escape the wheel of poverty. Sometimes it includes ensuring someone is accepted into a school, which is sometimes hard. Schools are often afraid of HIV-infected people and refuse the students. Which is mainly a lack of knowledge. After training by Siam-Care staff, students are usually allowed to come and study. We also counsel the children in their studies and ensure they keep on going to school.
3. Share HIV-knowledge and raise awareness
We want to virus to stop from spreading. And that requires training. We offer sex-education in schools, churches and local communities. We also counsel HIV-infected people and ensure they keep on taking their medication. Read here why this is still very important.
