The first stage of Youth Connect began in late 2007.  The project started with a request to look into the possibilities for life skills/ work skills trainings for local youth. The two groups we looked at were local Thai and Burmese living in Mae Sot. With almost 300 interviews conducted from governmental officials to youth who had dropped out of school we were able to put together a pretty good picture of what the labour situation looks like as well as the opportunities (or lack of opportunities) that local youth have. 

We were able to put together a team of 7 experienced development workers and social researchers to look into this question.  The team was dynamic, hardworking and diverse.  For a group of 7 people we represented 6 different nationalities. For pictures and more info about the staff click here. 

This web-page is a portal to some of the findings, resources and images from this stage of the project. Also there will be a page that links to some of the readings and resources that guided some of the research we carried out. 

Please feel free to comment and make suggestions.