August 2023

August 2023

First week August

From an invisible statistic to having a seat at the table…

We’ve just marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. As we look at the staggering numbers, I think of the real people behind the statistics, individuals losing hope in the face of unimaginable evil. 

This month, in the spirit of India's celebration of Independence, I’d like to share a story that reflects the small but significant steps toward true freedom for young women at our sanctuaries…. steps that allow them to emerge from the shadows and from life as an invisible statistic to their rightful place in the world.

Ruby was 18 years old when she first came to our Sanctuary in India - right  in the midst of the uncertainty of Covid in March of 2020. She was at a crossroads in her life, having just moved out of a safe house and into a family home for the first time. She was unsure of how she would cope with the change.

She had lost her father when she was very young and her mother had disappeared before that. As a result, she had never known the stability and safety of a family. She also had no legal documentation that allowed her to get into formal schooling. 

With regular encouragement from our team, Ruby remained with the family she had been paired with and then moved into sharing an apartment with a peer. She began to learn English, math, and life skills. We could see that she had a hunger to grow in her capability, but she was also shy and hesitant to speak up for herself.

We guided her through the process of getting her legal documentation. Empowered by her progress, she continued her education, determined to complete her high school through homeschooling. Her ambition was to pursue a college education, with a dream of majoring in psychology and becoming a counselor.

She knew she needed to get into a college that also gave her the ability to work and generate an income. She had a  safe space with us - a place where she was guided into growing her capacity and skills while constantly being encouraged to step out of her comfort zone to express herself with peers and staff.

But, Ruby suddenly faced a setback - she received lower-than-expected grades than she needed for admission into a University!

This is when the real progress Ruby had made came through. 

Knowing that merit-based admission might be out of reach, her resilience, resourcefulness and the ability to speak up for herself led her to create a unique opportunity - she managed to get herself interviewed by the principal of a prestigious college of social work in Mumbai. Ruby shared her remarkable journey, aspirations for her future, and who she was aiming to grow into. 

The principal was so taken by her story and the ability to advocate for herself that she granted Ruby a seat at the University!

The college's schedule, with morning lectures and afternoon field work, meant that Ruby could no longer be at the sanctuary in the days ahead. Through  your generous donations, we were able to support her living costs over the next three years. We will continue to walk alongside Ruby in her growth throughout her college journey, recognizing her potential to create a better life for herself and others. 

Ruby has grown tremendously- from someone not knowing the way ahead, to today, someone who can speak confidently about her dreams and diligently work toward them.

There are many more like Ruby whom we are working alongside in our sanctuaries in Cebu, Mumbai and Kampala - together with you, we are making a difference in the lives of these extraordinary individuals.

Thank you for your support and generosity toward them, as they not only rebuild their lives, but also secure a place at the table, where they shape what their future will hold for them.

Warmly

Max Fernand
Executive Director