All Posts in ZOE Thailand

September 20, 2022 - No Comments!

Trauma-Informed Care

 

Being in Thailand helped me to understand a little bit more about trauma and the importance of trauma-informed care. I’m not a social worker or trained in any of that, but I think I understood for the first time, what trauma really is.

According to Peter Levine, “Trauma is in the nervous system, not in the event.”.

In his work “the body keeps the score”, Bessel van der kolk writes that “being traumatised means continuing to organise your life as if the trauma were still going on–unchanged and immutable–as every new encounter or event is contaminated by the past.”

I was really struck by this when I was in Thailand. Previously I had understood trauma as an event, but rather, it is the imprint of that event living inside the individual, carried within their nervous system.

Brandon, who oversees our vocational training in Thailand shared with me his heart for the young people coming through ZOE. I was moved by the intent behind the training. It provides young people with skills that they can take with them, but there is always this therapeutic aspect underlying the training that really speaks to their trauma.

For many of the kids who come to ZOE, their only experience of business and working is being exploited for someone else’s profit.

Vocational training flips this on its head. Vocational training is all about agency and self-determination… it's built on the knowledge that every child is unique and has different needs, dreams, goals and passions! The aim at the moment is to expose children who come to ZOE to as many skills and opportunities as possible. We run many courses including agricultural studies - so, running our pig farm, woodworking and construction, sewing and fashion design, nail painting, hairdressing, hospitality, cooking and baking, computer skills, multimedia and photography, art, design and even a little bit of electrical and mechanical engineering!

When kids come to ZOE and take part in our vocational training program, our team will ask them all about what they’re interested in and what they want to learn and see what we can offer them. Brandon told me about one girl who came to ZOE recently and discovered that she had an amazing passion and skill for woodworking! She wasn’t going to be staying at ZOE long and was preparing to go back to her family, but she really wanted to make something that she could take home with her. So she made this beautiful high table with stools and she was able to take it back to her family. And this is what many young people want - they want to make something that’s theirs, that they can take back with them, a new skill, or something tangible - something that reminds them of what they’ve learnt and the skills that they have. It reminds them that they’re not a victim of their past, but a survivor, who can go forward to make, create and flourish.

-Hudson

November 4, 2020 - No Comments!

Recreation Interview: Cissy

I first met Cissy at the end of 2010 when she and her family moved all the way from Hawaii to Thailand. Her life brings new meaning to the phrase ‘multi-tasking.’ Graduating with a degree in Marketing, she managed her family’s restaurant and catering business for 16 years. She then went on to become a successful realtor and property manager, but the career she is most proud of is homeschooling her two children. Since joining ZOE, she has become equally as passionate about her work here in Thailand, dividing her time between directing the English as a Second Language Program, instructing in the ZOE Leadership School’s business classes, establishing ZOE’s on-campus store, library and reading room, and consulting with ZOE’s kitchen!

What’s also very exciting is, because of Cissy’s ‘make-it-happen’ work mantra, she has also established an exercise program for ZOE’s children and staff. If there’s ever an activity happening at ZOE in Thailand whether it’s trampolining or swimming lessons, dance classes, English camp, sports competitions or reading challenges in the library, it’s usually Cissy who is behind it! Few people could achieve this much in ten years!

Recently as we talked about the gym, sports courts, pool and family area, I had the chance to ask Cissy why she feels that sports and recreation are so important to the children and teens who have come to live at ZOE.

“Since becoming a missionary, I have been able to use many of the skills and
passions that God has nurtured in me. I see the influence of both my parents on
my life: my Dad was a food and beverage consultant who had a dream to open
his own restaurant chain and my Mum was a social worker with a heart for foster
care children. My desire for the kids at ZOE is the same as for my own two: that
they are equipped with the skills and drive to reach their potential, achieve their
dreams and realize all that God has planned for their lives.”

At ZOE we never underestimate the social aspect of sports and recreation. Playing together helps to form bonds based on trust and fun. For children recently rescued from trafficking, socialisation skills can be enhanced through various games and activities.

*If you have a passion to end child trafficking and ideas on how you could use your interests, skills or hobbies to influence your sphere, then please reach out and discuss your plans with us.

November 1, 2020 - No Comments!

Recreation: It’s Not Just Swimming

Over in ZOE Thailand, where the weather is usually hot, what's better than jumping into a cold swimming pool on a sweltering summer’s day?  Being able to swim!

By knowing how to swim, it means that the children at ZOE Thailand can enjoy the wonderful sensation of being in the pool – in a safe and pleasurable way. The sensory experience of being in water is both relaxing and enjoyable.

Research says that there are huge physical benefits to swimming. Learning to swim is both a full-body cardiovascular and respiratory workout! At ZOE we love to see the children’s stamina, flexibility and muscle strength develop.

There are many other advantages to knowing how to swim, such as building concentration, becoming physically stronger and developing coordination. It also encourages an active and healthy lifestyle.

At ZOE we never underestimate the social aspect of swimming either. Playing together in the water helps to form bonds based on trust and fun. For children recently rescued from negative situations, socialization skills can be enhanced through various water games and activities.

During swimming lessons, children take pride in each individual achievement and work towards achieving new goals.  As their abilities and confidence increase, children are able to overcome fear and celebrate their successes with their friends, family and their swimming teacher!

At ZOE, it’s not JUST swimming!