“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”. – Anne Frank
The truth about the quality of life in SE Asia
As a digital nomad, it’s very hard to top the quality of life you can have in SE Asia. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam offer amazing food, exotic beaches, friendly people and vibrant metropolises.
All at a fraction of what you would pay in other countries around the world. Let’s be honest one dinner in a fine restaurant in Oslo allows you to stay comfortably in a nice bungalow on the beach in Thailand for a month!
But it’s also very hard not to be touched by all the poverty and the unfairness happening all around. You could choose to turn a blind eye, but do you really want to live in a world where children have to beg for food? A world where babies die because they have no access to drinking water? A world where girls and boys are kidnapped to be sold like animals?
Are you touched by all those terrible things but a bit lost with how you can help? How you can get involved? Read further please.
Ben Randall from ‘The Human Earth Project’ decided he would not live in such a world.
Ben Randall Rocks! He is my personal hero, a superstar! But not only Ben. Every single person who do something to makes this world a better place deserve a big shout and applause!
Sounds like a cliche? I only hope we all live up to those cliches.
If you watch the video below about , you’ll hear the story of a young girl named M who was kidnapped in Vietnam and likely forced into marriage or prostitution in China!
You’ll be shocked to learn that human trafficking is an industry worth tens of billions of dollars and affecting tens of millions of people around the world, many of them kids!
Ben Randall is making a documentary movie about the search for M. This is his way of raising awareness about human trafficking in Asia. You can do something about it too.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is not a simple issue. The people affected are generally impoverished and have little education. Often the victims are misled into going for better work opportunities.
Even more tragic, is the fact that family members can often be involved in selling children just to earn a small amount of much-needed money. It’s not a black or white issue with clear victims and perpetrators.
Are you as touched as we are? You can help!
There are two ways :
1. Make a small contribution to support this documentary being made. Supporters of the documentary will be acknowledged in the film credits. You can also purchase unique photographs of some of the people Ben has met on his journey.
2. If you are short on cash. Or just bought ticket around the world half an hour ago and your wallet is empty, no worries. You can help too! Spread the word, by sharing this project on your favourite social media sites.
I’m more than happy to help my fellow bloggers and all possible charity foundations to fight for their cause. Elephant protection. Education matters and human trafficking organizations will always have my vote. Even if you are aiming for something different do not hesitate to contact me in order to be featured on Good Karma Affair.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored.
I’m so glad you highlighted this problem on your blog… human trafficking is such a huge issue, and as you pointed out, sometimes much harder to distinguish clearly the victim/perpetrator line in reality than many people would expect. I met quite a few people working to fight against the practice while living in Bangkok, as well as some girls who have fallen into the trap. It’s so sad, but sometimes so hard to see how to get out or explain even what benefit they have to do so. Thanks again for speaking up about it, and to Ben as well for raising awareness!
What an amazing project highlighting such an important issue. Serious kudos and good luck to him.
This is a huge issue and thank you for reminding me again about the inequity on societies around the world. I will definitely be sharing the information on my social media pages. Thank you again it is a hard topic to speak about you did it really well.
Michele recently posted…
Very touching article, human trafficking is one of this century’s worst problems at the moment. It has even reached Europe as well. Extremely sad, specially when the victims are little kids.
Raphael Alexander Zoren recently posted…
It is all over the world and that is truly sad! Hopefully we will come across more of such great people like Ben and Earth Project!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #64
Thanks for sharing the post Marysia. Your support means a lot!
John Bardos recently posted…
My pleasure John!
Marysia recently posted…#MTAnews: Bucket List #43
Thanks for sharing an inspirational story and important issue.
Sharing is caring :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #56
What a great project! This is an important subject that gets overlooked by a lot of well meaning travelers in poorer countries.
Jess recently posted…
I agree. People overlook it cos they do not know better, not that I want to explain anybody, simply there should be more campaigns growing awareness of such issues.
Marysia recently posted…#MTAnews: 2013 Travels – In Pictures
Very inspirational! Great idea for a post–I will definitely share!
A Southern Gypsy recently posted…
Thanks a lot Girl!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #55
Wow. What an inspirational guy. Thank you for highlighting such an important thing…
Agreed. Ben is truly inspirational!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #55
Wow, Ben is an amazing guy, doing a fantastic job. What a great topic to highlight Marysia, because it’s such an important worldwide issue.
Teresa Keane recently posted…
It really is! Thanks Teresa for your words! Ben is fantastic!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #55
Marysia, there is not much to add to this. This is a terrible fact, and a great cause you help Ben fight for. Love your idea of Good Karma Affair. I happily shared it on my social media. And will try to help with a small contribution too.
frankaboutcroatia recently posted…
Thank you Frank. That is honey for my ears! I think even small donation make the difference. I think we are all busy and not everyone has the time and opportunity to go and help somewhere in Asia or Central America, but we all can try to spread the news, make donation and support mentallt those who have enough power to do it physically. Big big thanks :)
Marysia recently posted…#MTAnews: I’m off again – travel plans!
This is such a great issue to bring awareness too, so thanks for sharing that with us.
Mrs. Chasing the Donkey recently posted…
Agreed!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #55
Kudos to Ben and this blog post for bringing the problem of human trafficking into the spotlight. I live in Malaysia, and it’s definitely a problem in Southeast Asia. Once the girls are sold or kidnapped, it’s so hard for them to escape and know who to trust for help. A number of people I know here are actively involved in fighting human trafficking and rescuing victims. Even after they are back to safety, there are numerous psychological after effects that they must deal with. Good luck to Ben on his film and on finding M.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…
Thanks a lot Michele, I do think it is such an important cause! I simply can’t imagine how people can do such things! What is really important it is too come together on such problems and try to fight them. One after one!
Marysia recently posted…#MTAnews: 2013 Travels – In Pictures
Thanks for sharing this. I met Ben (the film maker) In SE Asia and have been really inspired by his story and dedication to raising awareness of the situation – especially amongst these minority women and girls of the region.
Love your “Good Karma” series, keep up to good work :)
Thanks a lot Barry, I really appreciate your kind words! I’m glad you like the series, this is sth very important for me.
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #55