Village Focus International – Home of Dreams

As one of Child’s Dream’s higher education partners, Village Focus International (VFI) has been empowering vulnerable girls, young women and communities in Lao PDR since 2000. Their strong determination and focus has led to the success of their programmes and their recognition as the leader in Lao PDR in the fight against human trafficking.

In 2008, VFI established the Home of Dreams, a residential vocational training and education centre aiming to improve the quality of life of human trafficking victims in southern Lao PDR. The shelter offers a safe, healing environment with quality health services, vocational training, education and societal reintegration assistance. To date, VFI operates two out the only three trafficking shelters in Lao PDR.

Child’s Dream has been partners with VFI since 2019 by supporting the training activities and services offered at the Home of Dreams. Residents are introduced to a non-formal education programme with language and math classes. Vocational training is available, based on interest and community needs, while nutrition, sex education and human rights are also an essential part of the programme. Business training is available for learning how to manage the finances of a small business and a grant is even offered upon graduation for those with the volition of creating a business to help better their own community. Formal counselling services ensure psychological and social support while safe accommodation with food and basic provisions offer the comfort and security needed to encourage a healthy, sustainable recovery.

The success of the Home of Dreams is due to the strong determination and leadership of VFI and from the strategic partnerships they have built and fostered along the way. Sharing similar core values and a common mission, Child’s Dream and the Home of Dreams continue making significant impact together in empowering vulnerable communities in Lao PDR.