Cambodia (MNN)–World Hope International’s Kristin Wiebe says they’re doing their part to help fight human trafficking in Cambodia.
The U.S. and Cambodian governments announced the start of the second phase of USAID’s anti-trafficking in persons project to be implemented by The Asia Foundation.
This new phase will provide an additional $4.5 million over the next three years and will promote greater coordination with the Royal Government of Cambodia and other stakeholders to build an innovative and collective approach to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, help prosecute traffickers, and facilitate the reintegration of trafficking survivors.
WHI built a center near Phnom Penh where they’re providing aid to over one hundred girls between ten and 16 years old who have escaped the sex trade.
Once they get out, Wiebe says, “We provide medical care and mental healthcare and shelter. We also network with a lot of other organizations who are also providing care so we really lean on each other and capitalize on each other’s strengths.”
Project partners include Catholic Relief Services, World Vision-Cambodia, International Justice Mission, and Hagar. There is also vocational training available for the older girls. Again, this is where WHI leans on the established strengths of its partners.
Because the network involves faith-based agencies, they have a common goal: alleviating suffering and injustice through education, enterprise and community health and bringing hope to the hurting.
Wiebe says they share the love of Christ with all the girls that come through their center. “It is much more of a sharing through action, sharing through love. We also have optional Bible studies, and promote holistic Scripture, and the healing that can come through the words of Christ.”