25 November UN International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women
Fountain of Life Women's Center was founded in 1988, as a part of the project initiated by the Good Shepherd Sister Congregation responding to the needs of women and children suffering from abuse, poverty, and exploitation by the in ternational tourism industry.
Conforming to the needs of the community, the project first started as a drop-in center for women and children, and now have more than 30 years of experience in helping women to restore their dignity and build true relationships through teaching languages and life skills!
Good Shepherd Sisters Thailand is a non-profit non-governmental organization that believes in a human, community, and family-based systematic approach to empower women and children to be socially and economically equipped and sustained in life.
MISSION
The Good Shepherd Sisters, our staff, volunteers, and partners believe that through the approach of treating people with compassion, gentleness, acceptance, and respect the deep sense of worth, dignity, and hope for the future can be awakened. All Sisters and Lay Partners try to hold and foster women to the dignity which is theirs.
- We are deeply committed to their human and spiritual healing and to their integral development (Constitutions No.6)
- Our specific orientation is to women, girls, and children (Constitutions NO.6) who are marginalized, exploited and humiliated (V.C.75).
Develop the Potential.
Restore Dignity and Self-worth.
Protect Women from being victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
Support the process of transitions women make in their journey of life.
VISION
We envision a world where vulnerable women and children live their lives with dignity in a society that protects their rights.
PHILOSOPHY
The Good Shepherd philosophy and legacy handed down from our Founder St. John Eudes and Foundress St. Mary Euphrasia Pellettier is that of compassion and respect for the dignity of each person.
Mindful of our philosophy that "one person is of more value than the whole world", we strive to reach out to those most abandoned by society, especially marginalized women and children. The philosophy of the Good Shepherd is based on the belief that change and healing take place through relationships and on a compassionate acceptance of each individual and a belief in each one's dignity.
Background
The Fountain of Life Women's Centre was founded as a part of a campaign to end violence against women, prevent human trafficking crimes and sexual exploitation. The average age of women attending the center is from 15 to 65 years old.
“We Staff, Volunteers, and all Good Shepherd partners commit ourselves to work zealously, with women and children, especially those who are vulnerable or exploited from violence and human trafficking".
"Not to judge, but to listen. Our center gives them love, and they are the ones to choose." Most women attending the Center have missed out on education due to the lack of opportunities and extreme poverty of remote villages they came from. We aim to provide a place where friendship, education, healthcare, counseling, and support are given in a safe and caring environment.
Activities
Nowaday's the Centre is well established, known, and respected by the local community, volunteers, and international organizations.
- An average of 150-200 women is enrolled daily in morning and afternoon skills training courses, attending counseling, English, French, German, Chinese, Thai classes. This data does not include the number of women, children, and families we assist through our outreach programs in the slum areas outside the Centre.
- During 2014-2020, 12,624 women have attended Self-Awareness of Human Dignity & Human Rights educational training which takes place on Wednesday weekly. The gathering is intended to raise awareness about human trafficking and measures preventing it.
- Every year 1,200 women attend the Legal Advice Training delivered by the prosecutor. 99% of attendees gain an understanding of laws and their rights.
- Vocational training courses of the Fountain of Life Centre are free of charge and give an opportunity to continue education at a higher academic level.
