My husband and I live in Chiang Rai and have been supporters of The SOLD Project since their beginning. We have been deeply impressed with the integrity, intelligence and dedication of the SOLD Project's founders and staff. They not only raise money to keep at risk children in school, they involve the parents and families, teaching them how to manage donated funds for the childrens' education. They provide after school educational activities in a safe environment. They care deeply about each child and we have seen them go to great lengths to help at risk children. One of the children that has been supported by the SOLD Project since their beginning, now lives with us and has shared her experiences with us. She is very focused on her education, and has described how her life has evolved with the support and guidance of the SOLD Project. The SOLD Project's only agenda is to keep children safe and to support their education as a means to a stable and productive life. We greatly admire the work they are doing and can see that they are truly making a difference in the lives of many children.
The Freedom Story is an amazing organization dedicated to preventing and protecting kids from exploitation through education. Through scholarships, mentorship, ethical storytelling, and advocacy, this organization makes a meaningful and lasting impact on the community it serves. Their staff and volunteers take great care in treating each child and family with respect and honor. Early prevention through education has helped 9 out of 10 of their scholarship recipients complete their studies. This high level of educational attainment is not common for children living in rural Thailand and is making a tremendous impact. Education opens doors for kids to secure a future and forge their path away from sex trafficking and towards their hopes and dreams. I am a proud advocate and supporter of the Freedom Story.
The Freedom Story is doing great transformative work to reduce the risk of trafficking for hundreds of children in Northern Thailand. Their holistic approach, coupled with local leadership is extremely affective.
I had an amazing time visiting Lucy McCray and learning first hand what they do day to day at The Freedom Story. Lucy showed me around the resource centre and it was so great to see where the children come after school and to learn about the program they run! The passion that both Lucy and the entire team at Freedom Story have is so inspiring.
I have personally visited this NGO in Thailand, and was impressed with how well it is run. the children are well taken care of, they are taught important life skills, they are given opportunities to play and enjoy each other's company. It is an NGO run efficiently and transparently, and they have great success in helping the children reach their full potential.
I have seen the Freedom Story grow from a tiny single classroom surrounded by rice fields into a thriving organization with multiple locations and an authoritative online voice backed by real research. The core principle of approaching trafficking from a prevention angle (rather than mitigation, rescue or prosecution) has always been what set TFS apart, though happily it seems more organizations and governments are taking heed. Prevention not only helps reduce trafficking, but brings a raft of other beneficial effects, since the risk factors for trafficking are entwined with poverty, drug abuse, lack of education, lack of opportunity, and issues of discrimination.
The Freedom Story has been tackling these problems head-on for over a decade, and having visited their Chiang Rai resource centers many times over the years, I've seen some of the effects first-hand. So many of the at-risk kids I met ten years ago in that little one-room building are now thriving in higher education or in jobs of their own, and some have even come to work for the organization that helped them along the way.
Great local Civil Society Organization in Northern Thailand working to prevent human trafficking through holistic approach. TFS works closely with children, their families and communities of all Thai nationals, statelessness and migrant populations to ensure that they know their human rights and supporting them to realise them so that they would be less at risk of human trafficking and be able to thrive in their own lives.
The Freedom Story is doing thoughtful and dedicated work in the area of child trafficking prevention in Northern Thailand. It uses evidence-based programs to make a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout the region.
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The Freedom Story is uniquely qualified to combat human trafficking in Northern Thailand because of their commitment to local leadership and culturally aware programs. Top-notch organization.
I have volunteered and given to The Freedom Story for ten years, ever since I visited their resource center in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Since that time, I have watched this organization constantly learn, evolve, and share. Few NGOs achieve such incredible success in helping children (6-7% drop out rate vs. national average of 50%). The Freedom Story never rests on their success but is constantly adapting new and better practices in order to reach more at risk children. The mostly Thai staff and director are highly educated, accomplished, and effective and I have shared their knowledge with other organizations in the U.S.
The Freedom Story is a strategic organization focused on measurable impact, results, and caring for vulnerable people. Their commitment to preventing trafficking, their model for prevention, and their ethical approach to telling stories is why I give.
I was fortunate enough to visit The Freedom Story campus in Chiang Rai a few years ago. It was very easy to see that their impact was and is substantial. They have created such a wonderful environment that promotes personal growth through education and community building.
The Freedom Story is a thoughtfully run organization that does an amazing job working to prevent trafficking. Can’t speak highly enough about their passion, integrity, and on-the-ground work!
The Freedom Story is doing real preventative work in the fight against human trafficking in Thailand. Their children’s programs are inspiring. Supporting them has been a great pleasure.
The freedom story is a wonderful non-profit! I thoroughly enjoy volunteering for their events. They have a dedicated team of people who truly care about prevention through education in Thailand. They are doing amazing things!
The Freedom Story is so committed to financial transparency and sharing stories of those they serve with integrity and dignity.
I love The Freedom Story's ethical storytelling program as well as their ethical fundraising pledge. You can trust the marketing content they put out and I appreciate their commitment to child protection.
The Freedom Story is doing great work and doing it well. It was great to work with them and to get to know more about their programs.
Prevention work of any kind is not glamorous. It takes special individuals dedicated to the long haul who can see the power and potential in the slow daily grind. The Freedom Story is made up of exactly those kind of individuals.
I had the wonderful privilege of interning with The Freedom Story in Chiang Rai, Thailand this summer. After being involved with multiple non-profit organizations over the years, it was a breath of fresh air to work with an organization that was truly committed to ethical storytelling, localized leadership, sustainable economic practices, and holistic community development.
In a sea of international aid organizations that can often do more harm than good, The Freedom Story continues to be dedicated to re-evaluating it's methods and practices for true effectiveness that does no harm.
The smells and sounds of Chiang Rai city slowly fade as the "song tao" (two bench bus-truck) speedily makes its way out to the village where The Freedom Story's resource center is located. Through the small windows, I watch shop fronts turn into rice fields against the perfect backdrop of deep green mountains. It's rainy season and the heavy clouds sit low on the mountain tops, the mist curling around the tops of the trees. I get dropped off at the Wat (Buddhist temple) near the resource center and make my way up the road. I pass the Wat and the corn fields. I can't hear the sound of the road anymore. The still and quiet feels like its seeping into my skin. The warm breeze rustles the bamboo and banana leaves. A caterpillar crawls slowly across the road. I keep walking past the newly planted rice fields perfectly reflecting the cloud covered sky above. The road opens up to reveal the happy yellow building of the resource center, cozily nestled among the rice and corn. I love this moment of the day, it's like a warm and peaceful hug. I wonder if the kids have similar feelings when they make their way here after school. I don't know for sure, but I hope so. What I do know for sure is that The Freedom Story's resource center almost effortlessly makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. That is a difficult thing to conjure up in a program, but is easy to achieve when care and acceptance flow naturally from each individual staff.
I hope The Freedom Story never stops being exactly this for everyone who enters it's walls.
I'm often skeptical of NGOs after getting an inside look at a very misguided organization in India. I volunteered at the Freedom Story (by way of The Light Space) for three months, spending a few days a week at their city center, meeting nearly every child/family served by the organization while photographing them for a family day, as well as also spending several days sitting in the office surrounded by staff members at their resource center.
What I found were children who had a safe place to play after school, programs running with mentorship and educational support and what appeared to be genuine joy (not performative like you may find in other organizations).
I think you can trace this back to the source, with a Thai staff that is extremely open and caring (I have not had a chance to meet the US staff, aside from the founder). In my three months, I did not meet a single person at The Freedom Story who seemed to just be "doing a job". There was that same genuine joy emanating from the office.
I am also very proud of their direction and leadership in teaching ethical practices in storytelling. Overall, I highly recommend The Freedom Story!
Hi. I am Sanjoy Bose ,an art practitioner from Kolkata,India . The month of mid May to mid August,2017 is considered to be the memorable days of my life. Painting a wall mural with the kids of The Freedom Story under the lush green mountain surrounded by the green paddy fields was a dream came true. I was astonished and excited by the amazing imagination of the kids. The location of the organisation , the consultants of the organisation,the caregivers.....all are just amazing. I was speechless......just awesome. I really feel lucky to be a part and a volunteer of The Freedom Story and also have a loads of honour and gratitude for the respect and love they gave me. Miss them so so much. Love to work with them any time,any where.
I am currently volunteering with The Freedom Story in Chiang Rai, Thailand and have nothing but positive sentiments to share. This organization is comprised of the most caring, passionate, and conscientious individuals who are wholeheartedly invested in the work they do and people they serve. Although they touch many, many lives, they treat each person with the individualized care, attention, and respect that would be given to family. In addition, great care is taken to ensure that all practices and initiatives are sustainable, culturally relevant, and ethical. As a volunteer, I especially appreciated the emphasis that was placed on ensuring that I was a good match for the organization and community and would be able to utilize my individual skillset to genuinely contribute to the cause, rather than placing an undue burden on the system. I have the utmost respect for all involved with The Freedom Story and will continue to support this incredible organization for years and years to come.
I am currently a Social Work Intern at the The Freedom Story completing my senior internship for my University in the US. The Freedom Story is fighting the child trafficking problem in a holistic way that works. The staff are all caring and compassionate individuals, that are using their skills and knowledge to enrich the lives that they interact with. The Freedom Story is constantly evaluating their practices to make sure that they are making an impact. They use research-informed practice which further confirms the work that they are doing. The Freedom Story is also doing important work on increasing mental health awareness which can be commonly overlooked. I have enjoyed my time at The Freedom Story and gained a lot of useful knowledge.
I have volunteered with The Freedom Story in the past and attended several of their events. They truly support a good cause and have an amazing staff to help further their mission in preventing child exploitation. Thank you for all you do!
The Freedom Story takes a distinct role in the area of human trafficking; it seeks to prevent it altogether. Through education and mentoring, The Freedom Story scholarships at-risk children to complete their education thus giving them opportunities to fulfill their dreams. The staff also mentors them and their families not just with school issues but with daily life and needs. Sustainability projects give help to supplement their meager incomes. I have seen Freedom Story in person, in action and have seen the fruit of their labor in helping children thrive in an uncertain world in Thailand. As a board member, I know Freedom Story uses every dollar responsibly and with integrity in providing tangible hope for these young people and their families.
This is an amazing charity with a cause that pulls at all of our heart strings. I'm glad to be a small part of it!
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I have been supporting The Freedom Story (formerly known as The SOLD Project) for several years now. I have watched it grow from the early days as a film project, to a nationally recognized and respected non profit doing valued and important work. I have traveled to Thailand twice where I've seen the importance of trafficking prevention, met the students and staff involved in Freedom, and seen the difference this organization has made in Northern Thailand. Can't imagine a more deserving organization of my dollars.
I have volunteered with The Freedom Story at many of their events in the past couple of years. The work they do is remarkable and I love their transparency. I would highly recommend getting involved with this non-profit as they are truly making a difference in the lives of their students and families.
The experience at The Freedom Story was exceptional. I received a tremendous amount of support from the organization throughout my journey in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The staff at the resource centers were always supportive, and I loved working with the children. I would recommend this organization for its great work in prevention of trafficking in Thailand.
I spent a month volunteering at The Freedom Story, teaching English with the staff and doing activities with the children and young adults they serve. In my interactions with the staff, I was totally blown away by their passion, drive, and professionalism. The staff is a group of people who truly care about what they do. They have seen the effects of lack of opportunity for disadvantaged youth and are doing everything they can to give this new generation the resources and tools they need to break the cycle. This is a group of kind souls with genuine hearts, and I so enjoyed working with each and every one of them!
I've been volunteering with The Freedom Story for 6 months. The people who work and volunteer for this org care deeply and passionately about preventing human trafficking and child exploitation. The Freedom Story's work is effective and is determined to grow and improve in order to reach as many students as possible in Northern Thailand. If you're looking to get involved with a non-profit that is doing powerful things, this is the one for you!
I had the opportunity to travel on an Activist Vision Trip with The Freedom Story to Thailand a few years ago. I was incredibly impressed by the education and awareness they were able to present in such a meaningful and authentic way. With a complex topic like human trafficking, The Freedom Story truly embodies its mission in prevention through culturally relevant programming, that empowers and develops the staff, students, and families they interact with.
I have traveled with President Rachel Goble to Thailand two times now and seen first hand the work The Sold Project is doing to transform the community in Northern Thailand. The staff members are the heart and soul of the organization. They are passionate about positively impacting the individuals they serve, and believe that education is key to changing the lives of the children and their families. The team is cohesive, innovative, and consistently looking for ways to be more effective in ending childhood prostitution and trafficking in Northern Thailand.
As someone who has been involved in many different types of volunteering, I will say the The SOLD Project is by far, one of the best. I believe in creating positive, sustainable solutions to the world's problems and SOLD does just that. Not only do they employ 95% local staff, they are incredibly committed to these kids and their futures. The first day I volunteered with them, I walked in on their art class. The kids were given a blank canvas to draw different mandalas; explaining their thought process afterwards. They had so much fun and it created a enjoyable, safe learning space for everyone. SOLD provides the resources for the kids to be creative and also encourages them to be unique and assertive. As an English and music teacher volunteer, I feel that the kids are directly benefiting from the presence of SOLD in their community. These high school kids show up on their days off to spend time with the staff and to partake in fun, creative and life-skill building activities. On their day off!! The staff is not only their support system, but their friends; their confidants. Such a wonderful nonprofit and one that focus on prevention, which I find unique and interesting. I am so thrilled to continue to volunteer for SOLD over the next few months while I am still living in Thailand. Two thumbs up!
The SOLD Project is providing hope in Thailand through prevention. By mentoring, encouraging, and financially enabling children to get an education, opportunities are opened for the kids and families to help end the cycle of trafficking.
Have beening knowing, learning and being able to help with The SOLD Project. It is a wonderful project and thank you for being a wonderful for the children and the communities. Thank you for making a great different in the world.
While volunteering with The SOLD Project, I felt myself genuinely growing alongside the kids and the staff present. There is a palpable energy of goodness that surrounds the entire center, and the most important thing is their clear communication about their mission and who they are looking out for most- children at risk for exploitation. The entire staff was welcoming, warm, and genuinely fun to work with- and their understanding of their organization's goals was impressive and vital to how smoothly things run. I'd give it 6 out of 5 if I could!
Working with the SOLD Project has been a great experience not only for me personally, but also for the students that I brought to experience what SOLD Project is all about. The SOLD Project staff comprising of mostly full-time locals who are passionate and committed to the values, mission and goals of the organization is evident through their work and their attitude.
Most recently I brought a group of 24 students from Hong Kong to volunteer and serve in whatever capacity that we could used in. We were able to be utilized by going in with them to work at a local school and put on an educational camp with a mixture of English and Mandarin language lessons, art lessons, and fun and games for 3 three days, as well as having a fun day with the scholarship students at the SOLD Project rural centre. We were also able to help them move into their new, stunning city resource centre which is heavily utilized by their high school students. Overall the trip was very educational and everyone had a great time together.
As a result of this experience we were able to learn about trafficking in Thailand and what they do in means of prevention (which is unique and completely essential) to combat trafficking through education and mentorship. SOLD Project has developed and strives to continue to develop this program in new and innovative ways that other industries and organizations can learn from.
Not only about did we learn about their methodology for using education and prevention work, we learned about their community development work to enhance the already existent cultural fabric to make it stronger. Their works in sustainable development and their utilization of resources is incredible and innovative. Their humble approach to learn along with the surrounding community with their endeavours only legitimizes their cause and adds to their success overall. They are a focused non-parental organization that looks to partner with other organizations for the common cause to strengthen individuals, families and communities which is commendable.
I strongly support what SOLD Project is doing and their vision for the future, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences of working along side them and learning from them.
I came on as a volunteer with The SOLD Project in November, 2015. The work they do in Northern Thailand is necessary to combat the problem of trafficking young girls and boys into the sex industry. They are a prevention program, so instead of providing services and after care, they tackle the problem before it even starts - with education. The SOLD Project started as a scholarship program, giving girls and boys the funds to provide them with an education through university level. Once educated, the students have more opportunities and choices with how they live their lives. They can make decisions about what they want to do and be successful. Over time, it has grown to be so much more. The SOLD Project has a mentor program that allows students to connect with and trust staff to help and support them. They provide resources through 2 resource centers, which allows the kids to have access to books, education, computers, programs, mentors, etc. The staff are amazing, inspiring, positive, uplifting, energetic, and forever giving their hearts to the kids and the programs. They make a difference in the lives of the kids and always put the children first. The program is continuing to grow with a prevention program and a sustainability program. The prevention program allows staff to go into the communities and educate them on things like child abuse, legal rights, and leadership. One of their scholarship students even went to law school and is now back working as the legal adviser. The sustainability program has helped bring income to the villages through organic farming and silkworm production and sales. They also teach the communities about chemical free farming and using natural dyes. The programs are efficient and productive because they are run by Thai staff and who know the needs and can provide the best services! They partner with other organizations and stay involved in professional development and learning. I feel lucky to have been a part of working with this organization.
I have been supporting The SOLD Project for about 7 years, loving their work and mission. I had some major life changes and decided I wanted to work overseas. I went through their application and noticed they required me to read and study voluntourism. I loved their candid approach and honesty in looking for volunteers and applied immediately. The next thing I knew, I got rid of all of my things in the States and was on a plane to Thailand.
Being in Thailand allowed me to see first hand the work and passion they have put into everything. I worked with the students and heard of how The SOLD Project's programs changed their lives.
Really, one of the best things working with The SOLD Project has been working directly with the President, Rachel Goble. Her pure passion gets everyone excited and on board. And her desire for ethical storytelling, where the subject and the reader are respected in how the story is being told, challenges the way nonprofit work is done.
I honestly can't stop saying enough nice things about the organization as a whole because I have only see amazing, honorable work being done with loving hearts.
I interned for The SOLD Project last summer, and I had a wonderful experience working with their team. The organization is very well run and effectively organized to maximize the positive impact they make through their work. The team has such passion for what they are doing and they approach every new project with positivity and determination. My internship with them changed the course of my life because it inspired me to apply for a Fulbright to teach English in Thailand. I am so thankful to The SOLD Project for all that they do.
I've worked with a number of people on the SOLD Team in a variety of capacities. The organization has put together an incredible group of individuals, committed to the mission of the group and extremely capable of effective action. They have done and will continue to do great things for the people and institutions they interact with.
The SOLD Project is an incredible non-profit with a unique mission. The SOLD Project works on the prevention side of human trafficking. The SOLD Project provides scholarships to students in Thailand who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity for a quality education. Acquiring an education is necessary to avoid getting pulled into the trafficking world. SOLD is doing great work and is aimed at giving all children and youth a chance at a life of dignity.
I was an intern for The SOLD Project for three months. During my time I not only worked with talented individuals, but grew from them as well. I grew in deeper relationship, communication, professionalism and my love for their cause. The SOLD Project works toward preventing sex trafficking in a unique way that gravitates to your heart.
I have participated in several events as a volunteer for The Sold Project and they all have been wonderful experiences. Such kind and caring people who are truly making a difference in the world.
I interned for SOLD last summer and it was a life changing experience. SOLD is an amazing organisation full of compassionate intelligent people who truly care for the kids they are helping. SOLD helps empower kids with education and mentorship in order to help them succeed and thrive rather than fall into the all too common path of exploitation. SOLD is truly a grassroots non profit that starts with the Thai people's needs first.
The Sold Project is an amazing organization doing critical work to stop the exploitation of at-risk children. The staff have extreme passion for social justice and are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of as many children as they can. Their holistic programs are wildly successful and offer true hope for the children of Thailand - it is an honor to be a donor and support this organization on a monthly basis.
Watching the SOLD Project grow over the years has been an exciting journey as they directly impact the lives of vulnerable youth. Their transparency makes it easy to feel personally involved in their work and their growth, and see how every donation is making an impact. Regular reports from the field and opportunities to deepen one's involvement keeps supporters engaged and aware of the important work they're doing to prevent sex trafficking, and every time I see an email or post from the SOLD Project I know it has depth and substance. Having been able to work closely with the SOLD team, I've always been amazed by the strength of their resolve and passion for the work they're doing and the youth they work with. The SOLD Project stands out as a non-profit that works tirelessly and directly in the field focused on improving the lives of each of their students on an individual level, building up the communities around them, and raising awareness of the issue of sex trafficking at a broad level, striking a powerful balance between field work and awareness-raising that few organizations have been able to achieve.
After I sold my small business I wanted to do something to give back. Years...decades ago I had done a thesis on the sex tourism industry in Thailand and I wanted to volunteer with an organization that did work in Asia to help girls and boys stay out and/or get out of being prostituted. I interviewed with 6 or more NGOs and visited all of them. I settled on The Sold Project for several reasons. First, sold is constantly evolving and improving their prevention strategies in order to help as many children as possible. Additionally, most of the staff is Thai and are better positioned to understand and help Thai children. Sold is also not afraid to bring new strategies to prevention such as therapy and counseling services. Sold's success is validated in its numbers....a drop out rate that went from over 50% to less than 7%.
The SOLD Project's number one priority is the lives of the children they serve. They're a true model for cross-cultural work and development, learning from each member in their collective mix of cultural, social, and religious diversity. They're open to learning, changing, and growing, and they've proven the power that education has in transforming the lives of vulnerable children, opening up new opportunities for individual success and communal transformation.
My experience at The SOLD Project has been amazing. The SOLD Project focuses on the prevention of child exploitation. The organization has identified several risk factors that make a child vulnerable to exploitation and then uses programs such as trafficking awareness programs, mentorships, and scholarships for education to help stop the cycle of exploitation before it ever begins. The organization is filled with kind, honest people that are dedicated to the cause.
The SOLD project is a nonprofit organization with a proactive and holistic prevention model. Due to poverty and the existence of many ethnic minority groups, Northern Thailand is known as a breeding ground for children who fall into prostitution. Many children are not able to receive the education needed to find sustainable work and are easily lured into the sex industry. Many organizations focus on rescue and rehabilitation of sexually exploited children in Thailand. Here at The SOLD Project, we focus on prevention to help ensure that children are never exploited to begin with. SOLD has identified key factors that place a child at risk—like poverty, lack of education, and the absence of positive role models. My 5 week internship at The SOLD project as part of my Master in Public Health curriculum, was a wonderful and eye-opening experience. I realized that there is so much we can do here to help people around the world. Although I didn’t get the opportunity to meet the Thailand staff, it is amazing how there is a sense of comradery, mainly from the fact that we all have the same focus. The staff and interns at the Pleasanton office are extremely knowledgeable, passionate and so involved with prevention of child exploitation in Thailand that I know they will truly make a difference in the lives of the families in Thailand.
As a home health occupational therapist, my job is to work patients in their home environment to increase their safety and independence. This job is hands on and every facet of what they need to do at home to function safely is evaluated to ensure that we are providing the best care that we can. Although the population with The SOLD project is in Thailand, many parallels are evident. With both target population, our goal is to provide the best care that we can and treat each person as an individual. We need to assess their support network, as well as their current living situation to determine the best intervention. Our goal is to maximize their quality of life and have them succeed in things that are relevant to them.
Education is a valuable tool because the knowledge that you gain can never be taken away from you. For the children in Thailand to be successful in life and to develop the resiliency to never being exploited, they will need the skills and knowledge from the classroom. Since their social interactions will also play a large role in what they will end up doing in life, the more girls and boys who have completed their education, the stronger and larger this circle will be. As there is always a strength in numbers, this will definitely help put an end of child exploitation.
For more information about SOLD, please check out www.thesoldproject.org. For ways to get involved, please check out http://thesoldproject.com/get-involved.aspx. The money you spend on a cup of coffee each day is enough to change a child’s life in Thailand.
Review from Guidestar
I was the social media intern for a few months in the spring, and fell in love with The SOLD Project. Rachel and her team work unbelievably hard to prevent human trafficking. Although SOLD does most of it's hands on work in Thailand, the home team in California is bringing awareness of the problem to local communities. The mission of SOLD is that I value greatly!!
I took some time a couple of years back to volunteer with SOLD and have kept in touch with them since them. Their purpose and vision for the communities that they work with is clear, and I have seen first hand the great job the local staff do on the ground in Chiang Rai.
Prevention is an extremely important area of human trafficking and the work the SOLD do is truly beneficial for the people that they work with.
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My experience with 'The SOLD Project' was incredible. I learned so much and was so inspired by their community development work that I am now at University completing a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development. I loved the way in which they engaged with the community with predominantly local staff, addressed the communities needs, and then implemented these needs as best as they could. Their work is so simple yet so effective. Deliver educational needs throughout a child's life and in turn prevent that child from being trafficked. I spent around 5 months of my own time working with SOLD late 2011, and although now I would do things slightly different, my experience there was one of growth...and SOLD nurtured that.
When I came across the team at The SOLD Project, I was impressed by both their vibrant energy & commitment as well as their sensitivity & flexibility with working with the local culture and responding to the situation on the ground. Even the best ideas cannot succeed unless you have local buy in and the open mindedness necessary to adapt. The staff always put the kids first and encourage them to be the dreamers and changers of their world.
My husband and I live in Chiang Rai and have been supporters of The SOLD Project since their beginning. We have been deeply impressed with the integrity, intelligence and dedication of the SOLD Project's founders and staff. They not only raise money to keep at risk children in school, they involve the parents and families, teaching them how to manage donated funds for the childrens' education. They provide after school educational activities in a safe environment. They care deeply about each child and we have seen them go to great lengths to help at risk children.
One of the children that has been supported by the SOLD Project since their beginning, now lives with us and has shared her experiences with us. She is very focused on her education, and has described how her life has evolved with the support and guidance of the SOLD Project.
The SOLD Project's only agenda is to keep children safe and to support their education as a means to a stable and productive life. We greatly admire the work they are doing and can see that they are truly making a difference in the lives of many children.
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The SOLD Project is doing a tremendous amount of good for many children in Chiang Rai, Thailand. They are a well-run, non-sectarian organization that successfully keeps children in school in an area that formerly had a significant problem with young people leaving school and their families to become prostitutes, due to extreme poverty. While school is "free" in Thailand, there are associated expenses (such as mandatory school uniforms) that discourage many poor families. The SOLD Project involves the parents and helps each family manage the money contributed for their child to ensure the child is able to stay in school. They also provide valuable after school programs. We have visited their facility and were deeply impressed with their interactions with the children and their parents. My husband and I intend to continue to support this exceptional organization. Lisa Moses
The mission and success of the Sold Project is truly a testament to the amazing staff and founder. This program and school are working to bring education, choices and success to young people who previously had no future. Good job, Sold! You're making a solid difference. Keep up the amazing work.
The work that the sold project has continued to do is nothing short of miraculous. I hope that the team at the sold project keeps their passion for stopping slavery and sex trafficking so they can continue to do good work for years until we see the end of this practice.
The commitment and tenacity of this group amazes me. They are focused on dignity and humanity. The organization helps rebuild and save lives. No one deserves to be sold.
I wish I could help by donating more. The SOLD Project deserves recognition for their approach to solve the atrocities of being SOLD.
I have been a supporter of The SOLD Project for many years. I have volunteered at their US office and visited their location in Northern Thailand. The staff are all knowledgeable and responsible and really care about the work they do. They manage their resources efficiently and responsibly. They are transparent and their work uses a sustainable model to prevent the very real problem of child sex trafficking.
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I volunteered summer of 2011 with The SOLD Project at their U.S. office. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not only did I get first hard exposure to how an effective non-profit works, I also had the opportunity to be hands on in helping them effectively work to stop child exploitation. They are some of the most professional, passionate, hardworking people I have met. I also had the chance in 2012 to visit their Resource Center in Thailand. It was an unforgettable trip! Meeting the kids who's lives have been changed by the work of The SOLD Project was amazing. You can tell that SOLD's presence has made such a difference in the community and that the local people are really on board with SOLD's vision. I cannot recommend The SOLD Project enough! A great cause by some great people.
Awesome cause with awesome and very kind hearted people helping to prevent sex trafficking. I'm very happy to be volunteering for them and I hope more people can learn more about this nonprofit.
For the last 6 months I have been a Donor and a Volunteer for the Sold Project.
I donate monthly and have Volunteered at their events.
They are encouraging, they promote their cause well on social media; keeping me abreast of their fight to prevent Human trafficking.
Their workers and volunteers are friendly, helpful and dynamic. They care deeply about the cause and are wonderful to work with.
I feel that my time, money and efforts are utilized to their full extent.
Keep up the great work!
The SOLD Project is an absolutely amazing nonprofit. Their focus on the prevention of human trafficking is a difficult and unquantifiable task, but their dedication and hard work remain unwavering. I've seen first hand the sheer desire to do good in the world amongst the staff and volunteers and how that passion reverberates throughout the organization and the quality of work they produce.
I first became a volunteer for a SOLD fundraiser. As I learned more about SOLD and how they offer education and mentorship to those at risk of being trafficked, I wanted to get a closer look so I went to Thailand to visit the Resource Center firsthand. So great to see the joy in the faces of these students who get a chance to dream about a future and learn how to be safe from traffickers! Made me totally convinced prevention is key! After I returned I was asked to serve on the Board which I gladly am honored to do!
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I have been a donor to SOLD for awhile. Giving all children an opportunity to stay in school should be a given, but when families are poor, the children get put to work instead of getting educated. This is what makes Thai girls vulnerable to sex traffickers. If I can aid in keeping a child in school, and help prevent them from being sold into the sex industry, I would say that is money well spent. But what cemented my belief in this organization was my actual visit to Thailand to see these students first hand. To see their joy in how SOLD is educating them and helping them dream about a future is remarkable. SOLD is helping to raise the next generation of nurses and teachers and business owners by keeping them out of the sex trade.
The SOLD Projects works to prevent children from being forced into prostitution or human trafficking situations. SOLD is a forward thinking organization that has studied the community in Thailand, identified at risk youth and how to keep them out of forced prostitution and trafficking ---- SOLD has learned that you can prevent children from being forced into prostitution by keeping them in school and educated. This model can be used in other areas of the world and hopefully, eventually, make a global impact on children. Prevention is the key.
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I am an attorney and have been involved in advocacy work since I was 18. I met the founders of SOLD when they first started their mission. I was immediately drawn in not only by their incredible passion and forward thinking, but about how effective and efficient they were about tackling the issue of forced child prostitution. They spent so much time in Thailand understanding the sexual exploitation of these young kids in rural villages. They knew they wanted to make a difference and they were open minded to how to make that happen. They have learned one effective tool is through prevention - that is to educate these children so that they stay in school and get real jobs instead of going into prostitution. In a very short period of time, there was an entire village of children dreaming of what life could be beyond working in the rice fields or forced to prostitution. The SOLD project gave them their first chance to "dream" and have real goals, this was a first for these kids and now there is real change happening that SOLD can prove with statistics. This group is truly exceptional and has exceeded my expectations on all fronts. It's pretty incredible.
This is a fantastic organization. The founders are active and directly involved in the work. The program is making measurable differences. The money goes directly to the youth at risk. Every dollar makes a difference. I couldn't recommend this organization enough.
I love being part of the hope that comes with prevention and seeing the lives of kids empowered.
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I have had amazing experiences with SOLD on the ground in Thailand and with Development in the US. The focus on the real needs of the kids and cultural sensitivity are outstanding. It is incredible to meet kids staying in school, safe from exploitation, and dreaming bigger then they thought possible. Life changing! For me - and for them. SOLD makes my heart smile!
The SOLD Projects work in prevention of child exploitation is not only important, but it is necessary. It has been a joy to watch SOLD grow over the last six years and to see the impact that their work is making in so many young lives in Thailand.
One of my favorite organizations to support. Love how their focus is on the real needs, not building a big staff in the States. Well thought through approach to a complex issue, and the focus on prevention is where the real impact can be made. Five stars isn't enough!
I have seen first hand in Thailand how The SOLD Project's work in prevention inspires change and brings hope in the dark. And how they utilize every resource to change the lives of their students.
The SOLD Project is a much needed effort to prevent child trafficking and to raise the education and confidence level of kids in Southeast Asia and beyond. I respect their system of work a lot and am still learning from it. Whether it is a big or little impact in a child's life, SOLD is there trying and most often succeeding in making a positive difference in the lives of precious children. I hope its reputation grows and is copied and imitated by many others.
The SOLD Project is doing amazing, needed work in education to prevent children from being trafficked in Thailand. I recently visited their Resource Center in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and was quite impressed by the staff, the facility, and the work ethic and values of everyone at SOLD. They definitely stand out as one of the best anti-human trafficking organizations out there!
The Sold Project raises funds to keep girls in Thailand out of prostitution. They find the most at-risk children and they supply them with the money they need to stay in school. They're a straight-forward and honest group of people at Sold, and I'm happy to give my time volunteering with them! Rachel Goble is a smart, articulate leader, who more importantly loves children and wants to give them a chance to grow up educated and have the freedom to make an honest living instead of being sold for sex.
I support The SOLD Project 100%. I have sponsored a student in their program since 2009 and have witnessed the incredible work they do firsthand, both in my travels and later as a volunteer. When I first encountered SOLD in early 2009 I was immediately impressed by their focus on the prevention of child exploitation through education; almost no one else was doing that at the time. The fact that their entire prevention model was developed by locals and continues to be run by truly wonderful, dedicated people from among the Thai and hill tribe communities that they serve gives them immense credibility, and they've seen remarkable success. Through educational scholarships, mentors, trafficking awareness programs, and a truly robust Resource Center in the village, they've brought the school drop-out rate down from more than 50 percent to now less than 5 percent in the community. That's in less than five years. And now there are girls graduating from high school and pursuing university degrees. All of this was unheard of for this region before The SOLD Project came along. They're a relatively small organization, but they're making an incredible difference. And they only continue to grow. I can't wait to see where they go next.
The SOLD Project is an incredible organization run by amazing, genuine people that are truly working to make a difference in the world. Their passion in every aspect of the organization shines. My experience volunteering with SOLD has been life changing. I began volunteering in 2009 when I screened the documentary to my university. They provided me with the resources and support to plan the event and speak about the issue of child exploitation in Thailand. Shortly after I graduated, I volunteered in the California office, helping with events, fundraising, and other tasks. During this time, I was offered the opportunity to travel to Thailand with other SOLD Project supporters to see our work first-hand and learn more about the issue. It was this trip that influenced my decision to pursue a master’s degree to continue working to fight human trafficking. After my postgraduate studies, I returned to Thailand to continue volunteer work with The SOLD Project. During the past 7 months, I have been on the ground hosting volunteers and interns and helping others use their talents and gifts to make an impact in prevention of child prostitution.
Volunteering with The SOLD Project has been a truly incredible experience. Being given the opportunity to volunteer in both the US and Thailand is something I would have never dreamed, but has changed my life forever. The SOLD Project invests in their volunteers and empowers individuals to get involved however they feel they can contribute. Aside from your specific volunteer tasks, the SOLD team helps you grow into your strengths. It is one of the most encouraging organizations I have ever been a part of and am so thankful for the opportunity to volunteer with them.
My experience with The SOLD Project was one of the best of my life. I lived in Thailand for 9 months working in development of the volunteer program and as the ESL teacher. The main aspect which makesSOLD such an incredible experience was seeing the direct, postive and legitmately life changing opportunities it provides for the children. I think of one of my students named Cat; when SOLD first arrived in Thailand Cat had been recently orphaned (her mother a former sex worker in Bangkok) and her sister did not have the financial means to provide for Cat and her future was grim. SOLD stepped in and, now a few years later, Cat is one of the brightest students I taught and a natural leader among her peers. A university in Chiang Rai recently offered Cat a scholarship to come and study English there on the weekends. Without SOLD providing a chance for Cat, I shudder to think what could have happened to her. SOLD goes above and beyond to work to think of opportunties and programs to offer to these children.
An incredible organization, doing good work, putting all of their resources to work in the right way. Had the opportunity to visit Thailand with them last year and was very impressed. Can't say enough good about the work being done.
Through a friend of a friend, I discovered The SOLD Project. I visited their work with at-risk youth in Thailand and fell in love with the the mission. The SOLD Project provides responsible, intelligent and practical solutions to solve a real and dire problem. I gladly give of my personal time and finances to The SOLD Project.
I can't speak highly enough of the work of The Sold Project. I was privileged to spend ten days in Thailand with the Sold team, seeing first hand the ground breaking work they are pioneering in the field of prevention of child prostitution. I believe the programs and model Sold are developing could be replicated throughout Asia and in other parts of the world, educating and supporting communities where a high percentage of children are at risk of being trafficked or coerced into child prostitution as a result of poverty, lack of education and support. Since returning to Australia, it has been an honor to use my platform as a communicator to be an advocate for Sold and to financially support the work their team are doing.
Adrian
Melbourne, Australia
As a previous Board Member for two years for SOLD, I learned how heart and action can create change in not only my life, but the lives of close to one hundred at-risk children in Northern Thailand. Though I have yet to travel to Thailand to see the work with my own eyes, I look forward expectantly to the day that I will get to see and play with the children that have captured my heart. In looking at the Leadership within SOLD, I would describe the team as motivated, passionate, ceaseless, and organized. They address the tender issue of child prostitution with hope and prevention through education.
The SOLD Project has embarked on a mission that most overlook--the issue of prevention and awareness. Without any previous knowledge of sex-trafficking, it was through the SOLD Project's exposure trip that I was able to learn first-hand the issue of sex-trafficking and how critical the prevention piece is to part of the solution. The trip was remarkably organized with daily presentations and visits to local organizations also working first-hand on the issue of after-care and support.
The opportunity to visit the SOLD Project's Resource Center was truly impressive and offered a peak into what realistic and sustainable solutions look like. The community that has been created around education, support, opportunity is remarkable and visible.
I feel so fortunate to have been able to be exposed to the work that is being done by the SOLD Project. They have inspired me and many others.
The SOLD Project is an inspiration to families and children in both Thailand and the United States. As a volunteer, I have had to opportunity to travel to Thailand and work alongside SOLD and am continually impressed with their efforts. Within a year, SOLD established a mentorship and after school center for the children as a safe place to hang out and learn English. The staff learned Thai to better communicate with the children, and did a great job of loving on the children and acting as mentors. Many lives have been brightened by SOLD through their scholarship program, and many others, such as mine, have been challenged to continue to support SOLD as they passionately work towards providing education and preventing child prostitution.