Restoration and education for 36 trafficked girls

In the first half year of 2018, 8 survivors of sexual exploitation who had been staying in the Half Way Home shelter have so far been safely reintegrated with their family. They have received follow up support and will still be followed up on.

A difficulty that many survivors face is that they are often looked down upon and shame and stigma makes reintegration difficult. In order to support the girls and the families in the reintegration process, Free a Girl's partner organisation introduced a parent interaction programme. This way, families can talk with each other and someone from our partner organisation about this problem. This creates understanding and plays a role in preventing recidivism.

Besides the parent interaction programme, another successful project which results in raising awareness is the multimedia project. 12 girls are currently receiving training on photography, video and computer skills. Within this multimedia training, they learn practical skills and they can express their feelings and ideas. They also become agents of change, by making photos and videos that help with raising awareness about the problem of commercial sexual exploitation. The courses that the girls receive include: photography, visual and oral storytelling, learn how to use a camera and a computer and learning how to edit a video. 

The girls in the shelter receive education and/or vocational training.In order to realise sustainable change it is important to provide alternatives for survivors, families and communities for commercial sexual exploitation. We are very happy that the girls are rescued and are now receiving support in order to increase social, economic and cultural sustainable inclusion.