Japanese Embassy Grants SWING Foundation Mobile Vehicles to Support Vulnerable Communities

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From Pattaya News

Pattaya, Thailand – The Service Workers In Group Foundation (SWING), a community-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, human rights, and dignity of sex workers, announces a significant milestone in its mission to aid vulnerable communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and HIV/AIDS.

With the generous support of the Government of Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), SWING has secured essential mobile vehicles to extend crucial services to sex workers and other affected individuals in Bangkok and Pattaya.

In response to the devastating effects of the pandemic, SWING initiated the “Angel Kitchen” project in 2019, offering vital sustenance and daily essentials to sex workers facing job loss and economic insecurity. This initiative later evolved into the “Food Bank” project, facilitating broader aid distribution to sex worker communities and their families.

Amidst operational challenges, including transportation limitations, SWING demonstrated unwavering commitment by utilizing its own resources and subsequently investing in a food truck to facilitate aid delivery in the Pattaya area.

Recognizing the urgent need for expanded mobile services, SWING submitted a proposal titled “Providing Mobile Vehicles for HIV Testing and Food Trucks for the Sex Worker and Other Vulnerable People in Bangkok and Pattaya” to the Japanese Embassy’s GGP project. This proposal, aimed at addressing critical gaps in service provision exacerbated by the pandemic, received approval, signifying a significant collaboration between SWING and the Japanese government in advancing grassroots initiatives.

The handover ceremony for the donated vehicles was held on March 27, 2024, at the SWING Foundation’s Pattaya Office in Chonburi Province.

Mr. Tatsushi Nishioka, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, officiated the ceremony by presenting five vans, comprising two laboratory vans, two counseling service vans, and one food truck. The esteemed guests, including representatives from the U.S. Embassy, renowned experts in public health, and local government authorities, witnessed this pivotal moment in SWING’s commitment to community welfare.

“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for their unwavering support, which enables us to expand our reach and enhance our services during these challenging times,” stated Professor Dr. Chalidaporn Songsamphan, Chair of the SWING Foundation Board. “With the addition of these mobile vehicles, we are better equipped to address the evolving needs of sex workers and vulnerable populations, ensuring their access to essential resources and healthcare.”

The handover ceremony represents a significant step towards bolstering community resilience and fostering collaboration among stakeholders dedicated to mitigating the impacts of the pandemic. SWING remains steadfast in its mission to champion the rights and well-being of marginalized communities, with the invaluable support of partners like the Government of Japan.