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Groupe Developpement (Acting for Life) visits AFESIP Laos project

From 5^th to 8th of April 2010, AFESIP Laos welcomed a delegation composed of 5 people from two African NGOs : Groupe Developpement Madagascar and ANTD from Niger . The visit was coordinated by a common donor to the 3 NGOs, Acting For Life, represented by Ms Audrey Rochette.

Acting for Life France is an international solidarity organization set up in 1973 by company managers and directors in partnership with Don Bosco’s Salesians, the Society of Jesus and local organizations sharing the same view of a world where everyone has a place. Acting for Life promotes integral, responsible, sustainable, fraternal development. The work of the Child Protection and Youth Promotion desk of Acting for Life work involves striving resolutely to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents.

Acting for Life usually operate in partnership with local associations such as AFESIP Laos or ANTD Niger, but can sometimes also – when this is unavoidable – work directly as they do in Madagascar with Groupe Developement, responding to any issue connected with the sexual exploitation of children Acting for Life is involved in the following fields:  Sexual violence and gender inequality, Trafficking of children, Prostitution and sex tourism involving children.

The objectives of this visit were to exchange lessons and experiences between the 3 organizations in their combat against human trafficking and sexual exploitation and find the possible ways to ameliorate the activities of each project in the areas of prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking and CSEC.

During the 4 days stay in Vientiane, the delegation visited AFESIP activities:  AFESIP Social Enterprise (Beauty Shop, AFESIP Handicraft shop, Organic Cosmetic Production, Lao Organic Product Promotion (LOPPA)) and AFESIP rehabilitation centre in Vientiane. They also visited the project of Friends International: its shelter for street children and its vocational training places.

Followed a 3 days’ workshop at AFESIP head office where respective departments of AFESIP, ANTD and GD presented their activities. AFESIP made presentations on Outreach Prevention, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, AFESIP Social Enterprise and legal support. The three NGOs had really interesting exchanges after each presentation on the similarities and differences in the activities and suggested many propositions in order to improve and develop the projects.

‘’ After four days of such a rich and interesting visit, we have covered a large screen of activities, practices and issues in the 3 different contexts of Lao PDR, Madagascar and Niger. What we can proudly say is that we met totally our objectives and we hope that the discussions and experience sharing will continue in the future.’’ Ms. Audrey Rochette, Acting for Life Project Coordinator said.

‘’ On behalf of AFESIP organization as well as victims of human trafficking assisted by AFESIP, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to all participants and specifically to Acting for Life which who made this visit to Laos possible. Thank you for taking part in the combat against human trafficking of children and women for sexual exploitation.’’ Mr. Didier Bertrand AFESIP Project Director said. “AFESIP would be pleased to welcome you again in the future or to come to visit one of your countries!” he stressed in the end of the discussion.