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Irish Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Girl, 8, found barking at strangers after 'being raised by dogs'
The disturbing tale of an eight-year-old boy who only communicated by barking after he was found being raised by dogs has shocked the world after news broke last week. The neglected youngster was discovered in a filthy hut in the Thai province of Uttaradit last week and children's activist Paveena Hongsakul said: "He didn't speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see." But as shocking as the discovery was, it is not the first time a child grew up living among a pack of wild dogs. Oxana Malaya suffered a similar fate and was the same age when she was discovered. Below we look back at her bizarre upbringing that has striking parallels with the recent case in Thailand. Oxana was just three years old when her abusive and alcoholic mum and dad abandoned her in Kherson, Ukraine. Trying to escape the bitter cold after being left outside, she sought shelter in a kennel with her pet dog, Naida. This would be her home until she was found five years later. Soon, Naida, along with other strays in the area, treated the girl as an equal, and would share their food and keep her warm. It wasn't long before the little girl copied the mongrels after losing the ability to speak. Rather than act like a normal child, she barked to communicate and panted and travelled on all fours. Oxana licked herself clean just like how the dogs did and she also ate her meals, often including raw meat, off the floor after losing any human skills she once possessed. She lived like this in the poor village of Nova Blahovishchenka for five years but authorities got involved after Oxana barked at a neighbour when she was eight. After police arrived, her loyal canine friends aggressively tried to protect her, until the barking girl was removed from the kennel after the dogs were distracted by food. Oxana was taken by social services in 1991 before eventually adjusting to human life after being welcomed to a foster home. She is now in her early 40s and lives in a special care institution. Rather than try and hide her past, she has been open about it and once told 60 Minutes Australia how her mother had too many children and therefore there weren't enough beds for everyone. This eventually led her to the kennel. She remembered: "I would talk to them, they would bark and I would repeat it. That was our way of communication." Her high profile feral case led to experts studying her. Director of the special care institution where Oxana is based, Anna Chalaya, said: "She was more like a little dog than a human child. "She used to show her tongue when she saw water and she used to eat with her tongue and not her hands." Oxana is also said to have the mental capacity of a six-year-old and child psychologist Lyn Fry once said: "I don't think she's ever going to be able to read or do anything else that is going to be useful. "If you haven't got language by about five, you're probably not going to get language at all." In 2006, Oxana reunited with her dad and half-sister, but the awkward meeting did not help with her ongoing trauma. And speaking about how she still seeks the comfort of dogs while struggling, she added: "When I feel lonely, I find myself doing anything, I crawl on all four. This is how lonely I feel. Because I have nobody, I spend my time with dogs, I go for walks and do anything I want to."
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Girl, 8, found barking at strangers after 'being raised by dogs'
An eight-year-old boy, starved of human interaction, was found neglected in Thailand in recent days, and the disturbing case draws parallels with a feral girl in Ukraine who was also raised by dogs The disturbing tale of an eight-year-old boy who only communicated by barking after he was found being raised by dogs has shocked the world after news broke last week. The neglected youngster was discovered in a filthy hut in the Thai province of Uttaradit last week and children's activist Paveena Hongsakul said: 'He didn't speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see.' But as shocking as the discovery was, it is not the first time a child grew up living among a pack of wild dogs. Oxana Malaya suffered a similar fate and was the same age when she was discovered. Below we look back at her bizarre upbringing that has striking parallels with the recent case in Thailand. Oxana was just three years old when her abusive and alcoholic mum and dad abandoned her in Kherson, Ukraine. Trying to escape the bitter cold after being left outside, she sought shelter in a kennel with her pet dog, Naida. This would be her home until she was found five years later. Soon, Naida, along with other strays in the area, treated the girl as an equal, and would share their food and keep her warm. It wasn't long before the little girl copied the mongrels after losing the ability to speak. Rather than act like a normal child, she barked to communicate and panted and travelled on all fours. Oxana licked herself clean just like how the dogs did and she also ate her meals, often including raw meat, off the floor after losing any human skills she once possessed. She lived like this in the poor village of Nova Blahovishchenka for five years but authorities got involved after Oxana barked at a neighbour when she was eight. After police arrived, her loyal canine friends aggressively tried to protect her, until the barking girl was removed from the kennel after the dogs were distracted by food. Oxana was taken by social services in 1991 before eventually adjusting to human life after being welcomed to a foster home. She is now in her early 40s and lives in a special care institution. Rather than try and hide her past, she has been open about it and once told 60 Minutes Australia how her mother had too many children and therefore there weren't enough beds for everyone. This eventually led her to the kennel. She remembered: 'I would talk to them, they would bark and I would repeat it. That was our way of communication.' Her high profile feral case led to experts studying her. Director of the special care institution where Oxana is based, Anna Chalaya, said: 'She was more like a little dog than a human child. 'She used to show her tongue when she saw water and she used to eat with her tongue and not her hands.' Oxana is also said to have the mental capacity of a six-year-old and child psychologist Lyn Fry once said: 'I don't think she's ever going to be able to read or do anything else that is going to be useful. 'If you haven't got language by about five, you're probably not going to get language at all.' In 2006, Oxana reunited with her dad and half-sister, but the awkward meeting did not help with her ongoing trauma. And speaking about how she still seeks the comfort of dogs while struggling, she added: 'When I feel lonely, I find myself doing anything, I crawl on all four. This is how lonely I feel. Because I have nobody, I spend my time with dogs, I go for walks and do anything I want to.'
Filipino Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
61 OFWs complete skills training for reintegration and empowerment
A total of 61 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) successfully completed their respective skills training programs during two separate seminars at the Philippine Embassy and the Majestic Hotel in Bahrain. The skills training in Baking and Haircutting, Manicure, and Pedicure were among the continuous initiatives in extending Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with better knowledge and skills that would be applicable to career improvement, financial self-sufficiency, and integration upon returning Philippines in the future. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay and Migrant Workers Office Officer in Charge (OIC) Celia V. Cabadonga commended the graduates on their endeavor to become better persons and encouraged other OFWs to grab similar chances in the future. In the morning session, 32 OFWs graduated from a baking skills training, while in the afternoon, 29 others completed training in hair cutting, manicure, and pedicure. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their capabilities while working abroad, highlighting the importance of such programs in broadening employment options and building long-term security for themselves and their families. Ofelia Madriaga, 61, from Pamplona, Cagayan Valley, and a member of the PIN, was among the proud attendees of the recent training. A long-time household worker in Bahrain, Ofelia shared that this was not her first time joining such a program. She had previously completed a dressmaking training course, driven by her passion to improve herself. 'This is what I achieved as a housemaid,' she said with pride. 'Even though I'm a housemaid, I dreamed of developing my skills. I'm grateful to my madam, Nevien Sukhralla, who allowed me to attend, and to our embassy for this opportunity.' Having worked for the same employer for 17 years, Ofelia is now thinking ahead. 'I'm planning to put up my own small business in the future when my career as a housemaid comes to an end,' she shared, her voice filled with hope and determination. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to dream, learn, and prepare for a better future. Naida Duque, 67, with over 30 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry, was among the volunteer trainers who generously shared their expertise during the recent skills training sessions for OFWs. A seasoned beautician, Naida worked at the prestigious Regency Hair Salon in the Regency Intercontinental Hotel from 2009 to 2014. Afterward, she ventured into business with her daughter before returning to salon work until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations. When asked why she chose to volunteer, Naida shared a heartfelt reason: 'I want to give back. As an OFW myself, I understand the struggles. Sharing my skills is my way of helping others build confidence and a better future.' Her contribution, along with that of fellow trainers Alma Maria Laqui, Aida Garay, and Rosalina Ortiz, reflects the true spirit of bayanihan—Filipinos lifting one another up, one skill at a time. Meanwhile, in the Baking skills training, its instructor, Ivy Diana Bello Ancheta, is a passionate baker and entrepreneur behind IV Bakes, has been teaching baking for four years, since beginning her journey in 2021. She brings a learner-centered approach to her classes, ensuring that beginners and more experienced students alike gain confidence and understanding. 'I start with baking basics to build a strong foundation,' she explained. 'We focus on understanding ingredients, tools, and techniques. I guide students through common mistakes and how to correct them.' What characterizes her teaching is the support and interactive nature of it. Each lesson is a combination of practice and demonstration, where students implement what they've learned because they get feedback in real-time. 'I make it engaging by answering questions, correcting the method, and providing tips above the recipes,' she said. 'I want migrant workers to leave here empowered—not just in baking, but in building a life for themselves.' Her own business, IV Bakes, began life as a small home-based passion business. Bananalike cake, pandesal, cookies, and customized party cakes are just some of the offerings, and these are done with a personal touch, 'as if for family.' In addition to selling baked goods, she also hosts fun, hands-on baking and decorating workshops, offering families and friends a chance to bond and create memories while learning valuable skills. The baking program not only served as a skills enhancement training but also inspired OFWs to see baking as a potential business opportunity, one they can carry with them, whether staying abroad or returning home. The Baking Class and Skills Training in Hair, Manicure, and Pedicure were facilitated through the joint efforts of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Philippine Embassy, and the Filipino community organization Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN). These two-Friday sessions training initiatives were tailored to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), providing them with essential skills that will aid in their reintegration into Philippine society when they return home.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Iwi Chairs Launch Anti-Racism Website
Press Release – PAPARA The launch of the PAPARA website provides a much-needed, community-driven response a living toolkit to challenge racism, amplify resistance, and help hold institutions accountable. The Iwi Chairs Forum-led People's Action Plan Against Racism Aotearoa (PAPARA) Launches Timely Website to Tackle Racism Head-On From harmful policy being pushed through Parliament, to Māori artists facing public ridicule for using haka on national and international stages — racism in Aotearoa is constant, visible, and intensifying. These experiences are headline news, viral content, and a daily reality for our people. The launch of the PAPARA website provides a much-needed, community-driven response — a living toolkit to challenge racism, amplify resistance, and help hold institutions accountable. The National Iwi Chairs Forum's antiracism working group Maranga Mai will launch the website for PAPARA – the People's Action Plan Against Racism Aotearoa on Wednesday 4 June at 7:00pm with an online webinar open to the public. The launch of signals a new chapter in Aotearoa's response to racism, led by iwi and communities, after the Government abandoned its own commitments to a national action plan. PAPARA is a living, independent movement and resource hub designed to track, challenge, and respond to racism in all its forms – especially colonial and institutional racism. The website features: A public repository of resources for communities, educators and researchers Advice on staying safe during times of racial hostility Updates on the racist impacts of policy and legislation A reporting and contact tool for public input into the action plan The working group includes a rangatahi caucus to support strong youth input into the plan, and is overseen by Kahurangi Dame Naida Glavish, Rahui Papa and Pou Tikanga co-chairs Professor Margaret Mutu and Aperahama Edwards. Both Dame Naida and Rahui Papa have expressed their deep concern at the direction of the current government and the continued and urgent need for this kaupapa. 'When a government turns its back on a commitment to eliminate racism – a commitment made not only to Māori, but to the world through the United Nations – it becomes our responsibility to step forward,' said Dame Naida. 'This plan is not just about responding to racism – it's about confronting its root: colonisation, and restoring the dignity of tangata whenua and all communities impacted.' 'PAPARA is one of our many responses to political neglect,' added Rahui Papa. 'We will not allow silence to be mistaken for consent. This kaupapa will gather stories, evidence, and solutions from the ground up. It is by the people, for the people – and it will endeavor to hold power to account while educating and informing communities.' The Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the National Iwi Chairs Forum, began developing a national action plan against racism in 2022, following recommendations under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was also a key response requested by the working group on the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Attack on Christchurch Mosques. However, in early 2024, after attempts by Minister Paul Goldsmith to diminish the plan's focus on colonial and institutional racism, the Tangata Whenua caucus to the action plan withdrew from the process, declaring the partnership untenable. From that point on, the government has failed to progress its own action plan against racism, abandoned all action on hate speech and hate crimes, and has concluded its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry, leaving multiple recommendations unmet. These matters have become even more relevant in light of the Regulatory Standards Bill currently being advanced by the Government. The bill has raised alarm for its potential to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and roll back protections against structural racism. This is just one attempt of many by this government to try and erode human rights in Aotearoa. A draft of the independent People's Action Plan Against Racism is expected to be completed by October 2025. To attend the launch webinar on 4 June at 7pm and learn more about PAPARA, register at
Scoop
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Iwi Chairs Launch Anti-Racism Website
The Iwi Chairs Forum-led People's Action Plan Against Racism Aotearoa (PAPARA) Launches Timely Website to Tackle Racism Head-On From harmful policy being pushed through Parliament, to Māori artists facing public ridicule for using haka on national and international stages — racism in Aotearoa is constant, visible, and intensifying. These experiences are headline news, viral content, and a daily reality for our people. The launch of the PAPARA website provides a much-needed, community-driven response — a living toolkit to challenge racism, amplify resistance, and help hold institutions accountable. The National Iwi Chairs Forum's antiracism working group Maranga Mai will launch the website for PAPARA – the People's Action Plan Against Racism Aotearoa on Wednesday 4 June at 7:00pm with an online webinar open to the public. The launch of signals a new chapter in Aotearoa's response to racism, led by iwi and communities, after the Government abandoned its own commitments to a national action plan. PAPARA is a living, independent movement and resource hub designed to track, challenge, and respond to racism in all its forms – especially colonial and institutional racism. The website features: A public repository of resources for communities, educators and researchers Advice on staying safe during times of racial hostility Updates on the racist impacts of policy and legislation A reporting and contact tool for public input into the action plan The working group includes a rangatahi caucus to support strong youth input into the plan, and is overseen by Kahurangi Dame Naida Glavish, Rahui Papa and Pou Tikanga co-chairs Professor Margaret Mutu and Aperahama Edwards. Both Dame Naida and Rahui Papa have expressed their deep concern at the direction of the current government and the continued and urgent need for this kaupapa. 'When a government turns its back on a commitment to eliminate racism – a commitment made not only to Māori, but to the world through the United Nations – it becomes our responsibility to step forward,' said Dame Naida. 'This plan is not just about responding to racism – it's about confronting its root: colonisation, and restoring the dignity of tangata whenua and all communities impacted.' 'PAPARA is one of our many responses to political neglect,' added Rahui Papa. 'We will not allow silence to be mistaken for consent. This kaupapa will gather stories, evidence, and solutions from the ground up. It is by the people, for the people – and it will endeavor to hold power to account while educating and informing communities.' The Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the National Iwi Chairs Forum, began developing a national action plan against racism in 2022, following recommendations under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was also a key response requested by the working group on the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Attack on Christchurch Mosques. However, in early 2024, after attempts by Minister Paul Goldsmith to diminish the plan's focus on colonial and institutional racism, the Tangata Whenua caucus to the action plan withdrew from the process, declaring the partnership untenable. From that point on, the government has failed to progress its own action plan against racism, abandoned all action on hate speech and hate crimes, and has concluded its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry, leaving multiple recommendations unmet. These matters have become even more relevant in light of the Regulatory Standards Bill currently being advanced by the Government. The bill has raised alarm for its potential to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and roll back protections against structural racism. This is just one attempt of many by this government to try and erode human rights in Aotearoa. A draft of the independent People's Action Plan Against Racism is expected to be completed by October 2025. To attend the launch webinar on 4 June at 7pm and learn more about PAPARA, register at
