Page 120 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
A girl, age 17
Pathum Thani province

Voice

“I envied my friends, This is the story of two sisters from Pathum Thani province, who have had very little opportunity

but there was to enjoy their childhood. Since the ages of 9 and 12, respectively, they have been the main
breadwinners for their family. Their situation deteriorated when their mother deserted the
nothing that family home, leaving the two girls behind to care for a disabled, ailing father and a 2-year-old

I could do” sibling. The older sister says she was forced to drop out of school while the younger sister often
had to go home during school lunch breaks to care for their father. The older sister recalls the
difficult times when she used to work at a construction site, return home to take care of her
disabled father and baby brother, and go back to work again afterwards. She said she did not
have any time for leisure or rest, even during weekends, as she was busy looking after her
siblings, father and their financial situation. She says she often felt tired and discouraged.
“I envied my friends, but there was nothing that I could do,” she adds. While at school, the
younger sister had to ask permission from her teacher to return home and take care of her
father during lunch time.

The quality of their lives improved when the school principal arranged for TV Channel 9 to
broadcast their story. Generous contributions poured in from all over the country to help
support the family, the girls report. Although they continue to look after their disabled father,
they say their lives have now improved. The younger sister is able to concentrate on her school
work and enjoy occasional recreational time, and the siblings can occasionally enjoy quality free
time together.

108 Dignity and Justice for All of Us