By: Kannika Aree, National University of Laos, Faculty of Law and Political Science Intern from Khon Kaen University

My name is Kannika Aree and my nickname is Chompoo. I am a law student at Khon Kaen University in Thailand. I am currently doing an internship at Faculty of Law and Political Science Intern from Khon Kaen University and Village Focus International in Lao PDR.

      The most enjoyable experience I have had working in Laos has been working in Pakse, Champasak province. The drop-in clinic office in Pakse has four floors. The first floor is a room for entertaining guests who come to visit and for visitors who come in for advice and assistance in matters related to human trafficking.The second floor is an office where the staff works. The third floor has a room for the initial interview with the victims of human trafficking.The final floor is for accommodating human trafficking victims.   I then worked for Dream House Shelter. Dream House accommodates fifteen children aged 13-21 who are victims of human trafficking. Children at Dream House prepare for their future by taking different courses such as sewing, beautician courses, weaving, cooking, and business. The children also take basic courses including mathematics, Lao language, and others to prepare them for their future. I really enjoyed my time at Dream House.

At eight o’clock in the evening, I would prepare activities for the children. There is prayer and meditation daily for about 10-20 minutes in order to calm our minds and learn about religion.

During my last week, the social workers, children, and I had the opportunity to visit Wat Phusalao and Champasak province. There were many activities, including community teaching of children’s basic rights. After that, I led the children up the mountain to pay homage to the Buddha statue at the hilltop. We all tookphotographs together. This was a great experience.

One day, I went to Vang Tao-Chong Mek, which is an immigration checkpoint between Laos and Thailand. At this checkpoint, they provide health check-ups and community teaching assistance under the Protection Against Development and promote the quality of life for the Lao Migrant Workers Project.

I have learned about many processes about human trafficking which will allow me fight human trafficking.