The story of Lupeng : Together Against Trafficking
This week, as we observe the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons we tell you the story of Lupeng. A 15-year-old boy from the streets of Bangkok, Lupeng was out of school because he was bullied. His hearing impairment added to his vulnerability. Lupeng spent time with his out-of-school peers on the street who were exposed to substance abuse and engaged in sex work with some caught in the web of trafficking, placing him at risk of the same.
Understanding Lupeng’s vulnerability
“We have no money. I take care of my younger siblings”, said Lupeng.
Lupeng belongs to a family who face economic struggles. They live in a very crowded space with lack of access to hygiene. His father is a tuk tuk driver and his mother is a housewife. His brother is 8 and his sister is 3 years old.
Lupeng used to go to school in Bangkok, but he dropped out because he was bullied. His difficulty in hearing made it difficult for him to connect to his peers at school and he remained withdrawn and distant. This increased his tendency to get into fights.
“They punched me on my face and I have a wound here (indicates). My friend brought a knife and threatened to kill me”, said Lupeng.
When Lupeng left school, he had time on his hands with not much to do apart from looking after his siblings. He spent time on the street with children and young people who engaged in substance abuse, many of whom were boys.
“Surrounding the area, many children on the street have drug addiction troubles and this is often a starting point for sexual abuse, as perpetrators tempt them with drugs and the children are forced into exploitation. In fact, he (Lupeng) knows a lot about drugs, how to use it although he claims not to have tried it yet”, says Kanyapak Sukyu, a staff from Childline Thailand Foundation who manages the Hub, a child protection and learning centre in Bangkok.
Kanyapak highlights Lupeng’s vulnerability of succumbing to peer pressure, placing him at risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
“Lupeng’s hearing impairment makes him crave attention and acceptance. This makes him even more likely to be influenced and follow his peers into sex work, drug abuse and online exploitation”, said Kanyapak.
Joining the Hub
In August 2023, Lupeng’s mother brought him to the Hub. She knew of the centre through a working network of teachers who teach at a nearby informal education centre.
“When I joined the Hub, other children were making flowers. I was shy but I decided to visit again”, said Lupeng.
The Hub is a learning centre with a vision of being a safe haven for children on the street in Bangkok. As part of the Down to Zero project, It is run by Childline Thailand Foundation in partnership with Terre des Hommes Netherlands. Since March 2010, children from the street have reached out to the Hub for basic needs such as food, water, and hygiene. The Hub works to build a stronger connection with children at risk and arranges for assistance that they may need. This includes educational and psychological assistance. Children are also involved in skill training and outdoor activities with sessions planned in consultation with them. The children visiting the Hub belong to the Pom Prap Sattru Phai district of Bangkok, the district with the largest population density.
“At the Hub, I was excited to learn and meet friends. I really like it. I went to play basketball with my friends. We also played football. I went and bought snacks with my friend. We also do many outdoor activities and visit places like the water park”, said Lupeng.
Lupeng, who was withdrawn earlier is now finding comfort in the Hub and engaging in educational and skills training. He was enrolled in the Non Formal Education (NFE) centre, a government-run informal education initiative as part of the Thailand education system. The academic curriculum for NFE is simpler than education in school as they only focus on basic and compulsory subjects. For children with disabilities, NFE is one option to integrate them into the education system. Other options under public schooling are not available in every area, and private schooling for children with disabilities is very expensive, making it difficult for children from economically disadvantaged families to access them.
“I attend the learning centre once a week. I am in Primary school. I like science”, said Lupeng.
Coupled with informal learning, Lupeng also attends cooking and jewellery-making classes.
"I like to cook chicken", said Lupeng.
Lupeng's activities in the Hub
Lupeng's future
As part of Thailand’s education system, vocational training is an option for children post Junior high school. The Hub plans to first support Lupeng in completing Junior high and get a grade 9 official certificate. This official certificate will help him apply for jobs later on. Coupled with this the Hub plans to enrol Lupeng in vocational skills in mechanics, especially working with motorbike parts.
“I want to be a mechanic because it is cool”, said Lupeng.
The Hub provides assistance till the age of 25 along with ensuring youngsters, (in this case Lupeng), get a proper job.
“Lupeng has a good chance to do well in his future. We plan to further link Lupeng with other government organisations (Department of People with Disabilities) for him to avail of subsidies and other government related support”, said Kanyapak, the Hub Manager.
