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AFESIP Exhibiton '' ART TO HEALING ''

Acting for Women in Distressing Circumstances (AFESIP) and Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare is proud to present “The Art to Healing” exhibition, assembling 20 paintings and 10 sculptures made by AFESIP residents, former victims of human trafficking, during Art Therapy sessions together with two experienced psychologists in this domain. The exhibition is presented on 1-7 June, 2006, open from 8:00 – 18:00 h everyday, at Maison de la Culture Ban Naxay.

The objective of this exhibition is to exhibit the created drawing and sculptures by children and women victims of human trafficking assisted by AFESIP, in order to raise awareness to target audiences to understand about psychological consequences of trafficking on victims and other human trafficking issues.

AFESIP started the project “Innovative awareness-raising of human trafficking for sexual exploitation on victims in Laos: using Art Therapy to expose the psychological consequences” in July 2009 with the support of the US Embassy in Lao PDR. Between July 2009 and June 2010 four Art Therapy workshops with victims from AFESIP Vientiane and Savannakhet rehabilitation centres have been organised.

Driven by its objective for an innovative, victim-centred approach to help rehabilitate victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation, AFESIP investigates alternative psychological therapies which are often unexplored in Laos, such as Art Therapy.  In addition, as the only specialised organisation in Laos providing rehabilitation support to victims of human trafficking, AFESIP is able to access and assess the psychological impact which human trafficking for sexual exploitation has on victims. This position gives AFESIP the unique ability to raise awareness of the trauma suffered by victims in Laos; from the victims’ perspective.

AFESIP hopes this project will not only empower victims by giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute to awareness raising, but also anticipate the strong impact these activities will have on public audiences in response to the consequences of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Laos from a victim’s perspective.  

All people are warmly welcomed, in particular children and women are encouraged to see this exhibition. The handicraft and fair beauty products produced by former victims are available in this exhibition. All kind of donations are also welcomed.