OVERCOMING CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY: SAFE MIGRATION IN A WORLD ON THE MOVE
Monday 18th December, Bangkok – The Migrant Working Group celebrates International Migration Day 2017 by recognising all children’s rights to survive, learn, and be protected.
“Today, there are more than 200,000 migrant children in Thailand who are currently out of school. Approximately 60% of these children are out of school due to their status and the discrimination that they face,” Save the Children’s Country Director in Thailand, Kim Koch said.
“This group of children are at a far greater risk of being trafficked or involved in dangerous work,” Ms. Koch said. “Enrolling migrant children in school can increase protection for vulnerable children.”
Inclusive schools, that include both Thai and migrant children, help build global competencies. Global competencies are crucial to thriving in the 21st century, including: the social and emotional ability to understand and work with people from diverse cultures; and the creativity to develop sustainable solutions to complex problems. These global competencies prepare all children for the global economy, SDG 4, and achieving Thailand 4.0.
Save the Children is campaigning for access to education for migrant children and we are doing whatever it takes to reach every last child. Poor policy implementation, language barriers, financial barriers, and a lack of awareness that these migrant children have rights to receive quality education are some of the many obstacles that children have yet to overcome despite the “Education for All” policy mandated in Thailand 27 years ago.
“We hope that the campaign will help open up more opportunities for migrant children to access Thai schools, receive equal treatment and enjoy their rights like other children.” Ms. Koch said.
Save the Children is calling on the Royal Thai Government for the actualisation of Education for All policy. Based on key recommendations in our new report “Strengthening OOSC Mechanisms in Tak Province”, starting by formalising and enhancing intragovernmental data sharing between Ministry of Interior (MOI), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).
“It is our responsibility to work together to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. This includes fighting for their right to development and helping every last child grow to their fullest potential.” Ms. Koch said.
“This group of children are at a far greater risk of being trafficked or involved in dangerous work,” Ms. Koch said. “Enrolling migrant children in school can increase protection for vulnerable children.”
Inclusive schools, that include both Thai and migrant children, help build global competencies. Global competencies are crucial to thriving in the 21st century, including: the social and emotional ability to understand and work with people from diverse cultures; and the creativity to develop sustainable solutions to complex problems. These global competencies prepare all children for the global economy, SDG 4, and achieving Thailand 4.0.
Save the Children is campaigning for access to education for migrant children and we are doing whatever it takes to reach every last child. Poor policy implementation, language barriers, financial barriers, and a lack of awareness that these migrant children have rights to receive quality education are some of the many obstacles that children have yet to overcome despite the “Education for All” policy mandated in Thailand 27 years ago.
“We hope that the campaign will help open up more opportunities for migrant children to access Thai schools, receive equal treatment and enjoy their rights like other children.” Ms. Koch said.
Save the Children is calling on the Royal Thai Government for the actualisation of Education for All policy. Based on key recommendations in our new report “Strengthening OOSC Mechanisms in Tak Province”, starting by formalising and enhancing intragovernmental data sharing between Ministry of Interior (MOI), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).
“It is our responsibility to work together to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. This includes fighting for their right to development and helping every last child grow to their fullest potential.” Ms. Koch said.
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