Our Partnership with HUG Project

Accessibility to technology comes with the dangers and risks of online exploitation. In many cases, online exploitation can lead to trauma, abuse, and human trafficking. Because of Covid-19, there was a sharp increase in the online exploitation of children in Thailand due to more children using the internet while staying at home. In 2020, Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children received over 300,000 tips just through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children database. 

One Day’s Wages partnered with the HUG Project to prevent human trafficking and sexual abuse of children in Chiang Mai, Thailand. There were three parts to this project. First, HUG’s child advocacy center offered a safe space for children to learn, grow, and have fun after school. In this program, staff cycled through weekly topics such as English, science, safety, art, and movie nights. Second, the project provided educational sessions in schools and the community to discuss the importance of online safety.  HUG and TICAC (HUG’s law enforcement partner) covered topics such as safe/unsafe touch, online safety, and who to contact when a child is in trouble. Finally, HUG hung posters in schools and distributed them around at-risk communities so there is always a number or contact available to those who may need it. This is a tangible reminder to children, students, and families that someone is always there for them.