About the initiative

VES works with the Pacific Links Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping stop human trafficking along the border regions in Vietnam.

As Pacific Links describes the situation, “In these impoverished, remote, and porous regions that are plagued with high unemployment and limited economic opportunities, young girls and women face the highest risk of being trafficked for sexual and labor exploitation. ADAPT’s unique and comprehensive program model includes prevention, reintegration and community awareness raising components.”

Project objectives

The Pacific Links Foundation’s academic scholarship program keeps girls ages 11-18 in school and safe from human trafficking. Vocational scholarships are also offered. These programs enable young women and girls to “pursue an education, gain a trade and obtain jobs with livable wages,” thereby decreasing their risk of being trafficked. A scholarship for one girl for a year is $400 and covers: school supplies, school fees, mandatory insurance, books and uniforms, tutoring and/or + exam preparation (9th grade and 12th grade) costs, scholastic achievement and incentive prizes, graduation gifts and expenses associated with teachers’ conferences, family days and home visits.

VES financial commitment

VES provides 40 academic scholarships for at-risk girls and annually funds a significant portion of the costs of the summer camp run by the Pacific Links Foundation.