We have had a busy month here in Thailand—not just with our activities but also working around disruption as a result of the political unrest in Bangkok.
The women who make the jewelry have management responsibilities when it comes to supplies, which normally means a weekly shopping trip to Bangkok. However, knowing that some people were trapped in their homes due to fear of awry bullets, it was too dangerous for them to go for a few weeks. Luckily they were able to manage with the beads they currently had, and the group was able to go again last Saturday.
I went with them on this occasion to help them choose some new designs. Everything seems to have calmed down now, and physically there are only a few burnt buildings to remind us that something ever happened. However, the long term effects have still had an impact on many shopkeepers, as several businesses burnt down. Everything does feel quieter than normal, as tourists are keeping away. There was an event while we were there to raise money for shopkeepers to help keep them afloat—hopefully many buildings will be re-built in the next year. Tourism will continue to suffer, however, and expected tourist figures have dropped from 15 million to 12 million this year. Already it has cost Thailand businesses approx US $2 billion, and more loss is expected.
In Pattaya we have had two training courses this month. The first was an excellent day-long course on microenterprise run by Step Ahead who supports about 1000 people in Bangkok with microloans. The women reported back that they enjoyed the training and that it gave some of them ideas for starting their own businesses.
Later in May, Lesley, a Child Psychologist, ran a session on Child Development. She focused on how to give your child positive affirmation and play with him/her, and she even brought some homemade toys to leave that the women could made themselves from rubbish (e.g. plastic bottles). Many of the ideas were new to the women, and they warmed quickly to them. Some of the women’s children were even there to help show how it was done!
Child Development Class
We have also been busy recording the women’s stories, so that in the future when you buy a Freedom Stones product, you can see who made it and read a bit about them. Some of their stories are just heartbreaking. I recently heard the story of Nupit who started working in the bars when she was 14. Her mother beat and rejected her, and she ended up fleeing to a western man who also beat and raped her. Though many of their stories include abuse, hardship, and prostitution in Pattaya, there are also some encouraging ones. It is always wonderful to hear how the women love making jewelry and how this project has changed their lives. We hope that Freedom Stones will continue to bring encouragement and support to many women in Thailand and all over the world!
