In rural Thailand, there are many children who are forced into state care or to fend for themselves. Often the result of extreme poverty or health issues where the parents cannot care for them or the parents re-marry and the children from the previous marriage are not supported by the step parent.
The risks these children are faced with from an early age is often documented, ranging from trafficking to prostitution, slavery and working for crime gangs.
While the state may place many children in homes and orphanages many of these institutions don’t cover care and guidance for the transition from child to young adult.
It was the mission work of Bridgeworks in Thailand that highlighted this great need in our midst, it is a work that helps children in the in-between years. A time where so many children can fall through the cracks while they are looking to establish themselves as young adults.
An empowering community
Identified as “at risk” children, where possible Bridgeworks helps either to find a stable home or offers accommodation to support these young lives through the transition time. Bridgeworks offers a safe environment, teaching life skills like gardening, cooking, or learning trades that will help these children to find work that will help them achieve a sustainable future.
Many children find it difficult to complete their education due to the pressures of taking on work in order to survive therefore forfeiting their education. Bridgeworks encourages the children in their care to complete their education to year 10 and 12 with many going on to study for university qualifications.
Some of the 2017 graduates
It is not an easy time for many of these young lives as the challenges they have endured before arriving at Bridgeworks are many including family breakdown, violence, abuse, health issues and neglect.
Bridgeworks missionaries have dedicated their lives into helping these children every day and it is in this where the words of the gospel resonates we are called to “love one another” and while not all of us can be on the field we can in many small ways follow Godly instruction which is to “sell what you have and give to the poor…”
Building a water purification unit for a children's home
While the VCF ladies and their friends have not donated all they own to give to those in need, they have looked into their wardrobes and storage boxes and pulled out some of the clothes and items that are of value to them. It may be a special dress never worn or it could be a designer pair of shoes only worn twice. Instead of these items sitting in the cupboard for an occasional outing they are offered in exchange to raise funds to help support Bridgeworks Missions.
These items for $5, $10 or $20 dollars will make a big difference to the young girl who is studying to become a teacher or an accountant. The young girl without a family to support her, a mother too poor and unwell, a father that has tried to take her life. The child that has escaped brutal upbringing and managed to survive.
Learning important cooking skills
By coming along to this community event and purchasing that coat, skirt or shoes you will do so with the knowledge you have helped a little to reposition the value where it should be and that is to encourage another young person in need, they have a hope and a future.
Vision Fashion Fix Sale is a Canberra Community Event - Everyone is welcome!
Good quality ladies and children fashions for sale one afternoon only.
Choose from vintage, new, pre-loved, and designer brands at a fraction of the retail price.
There will be a silent auction for big ticket items including a formal silk evening dress and tailored overcoat, leather boots and more.