Based
in Chiang Mai, Thailand and holding
offices in
Atlanta, USA and Melbourne, Australia; the Children's Organization of South
East Asia (COSA) works to prevent child trafficking and sexual exploitation
throughout the South East Asia region. COSA operates from a community development
approach, providing support, safety and opportunity to children who are victims
of trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse. Working closely with local organizations
COSA assists in developing strong empowered communities and provides a positive
future for children and young women.
Since 2004 COSA has been supporting local organizations, community projects and raising awareness on the issues of child trafficking and sexual exploitation in South East Asia.
Recognizing the importance of prevention in creating a safe future
for young families, COSA has adopted a community development approach. Working
collectively with local communities to raise awareness, support victims, provide
education and generate a sense of empowerment is an essential aspect of all
COSA's
projects.
On an individual level COSA provides;
shelter, safety, mental health care, education and a positive future to girls and young women who are at risk or victims of trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse.
Within the community COSA offers; mental health training workshops to staff members from local organizations in areas of social work and psychology, organizes school holiday programs for children within the community and those residing in local shelters, and offers emergency relief to families in crisis.
Through working collectively with various community organizations, raising local and international awareness and adoption various prevention strategies, COSA actively works towards the prevention of child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Building stronger self-sufficient communities and creating opportunities for child victims will ensure a positive and secure future for all children.