Akha is a remote mountain tribe in Northern Thailand near the Myanmar border. This tribe is poverty stricken because their livelihood has pratically been wiped out with the abolishment of poppy plant (opium) cultivation. To add to their troubles, aids and heroin addiction are rife amoung this community.

It is estimated that 80% of their children who end up in sex slavery will consequently become HIV positive.

Akha Rescue Ministry (ARM) was established in 1999 and is a New Zealand Registered Charitable Trust.

The ultimate goal of ARM is to prevent as many children as possible from the trauma of child prostitution and it’s inevitable consequences. The Ministry is supported financially through donations and child sponsorship.

The mission of ARM is to secure the safety of children at risk of being sold or lured into prostitution.

In May 2001, a hostel was purpose-built and established to provide accomodation for rescued children.

At the ARM hostel, children are cared for with love and compassion and attend a local village school for their education. ARM provides Christian education and teaching for their spiritual well being.

In 2004 a Vocational Training Centre was established to provide trade training for the older girls. Please view their products in our shop. The girls are also producing Thai school uniforms.

ARM is proud to be in partnership with HANDS. Visit www.handsworld.com