Our village AIDS program in the Northeast of Thailand is centered here. The area is unique, with its own dialect. Its economy is agriculturally based. It is the primary source of migrant workers for cities in Thailand as well as abroad. Providing appropriate AIDS education to the migrant and potentially migrant populations in both village and urban settings is extremely important, as is our program to provide support for AIDS home care. Targeting different districts each year, the project is able to focus efforts while maintaining a broad overall campaign. Close cooperation is maintained with government officials, village leaders and school personnel. The project has expanded as the number of symptomatic people has increased in the villages.

Multi-media AIDS education programs were carried out in 50 villages last year to groups averaging about 70. 58 schools received age-appropriate training for the students, and 28 targeted urban groups received education programs in varying formats. Nearly 2000 people took advantage of Welcome House counseling sessions for individuals or groups.

Direct assistance was provided for 832 people with AIDS, including 82 shelter residents. 125 people were visited, as were 26 in the hospital. Direct assistance programs provide temporary relief, enabling families and friends to then assist the sick person. Training people to generate income is important here as it enables people with AIDS and their families to generate the necessary income to cope with the illness.

Funding is received from Maryknoll, MISSIO Germany, the Thai Government, embassies as wellas corporate and private donations.