India (FH/MNN) — India and Bahrain are getting ready to sign an agreement to work together for the prevention of human trafficking, specifically to help women and children.
(Photo courtesy of Food for the Hungry)
Reuters reports about 150,000 people are trafficked in South Asia every year. But because trade is underground, that number could be much larger.
According to Food for the Hungry, girls as young as eleven or twelve are often forced into the trade by family members, and it’s been a longstanding tradition in India to do so. For years, it’s been a family business. While women’s and children’s bodies are sold to men, the fathers and teenage boys act as pimps, seeking out new clientele.
The trade continues on, in many instances because of the poverty wreaking havoc on the area. The industry of trafficking earns families nearly double the income as other means of work, yet still they are living in severe poverty. The cycle of poverty is debilitating.
This is a heartbreaking enterprise, where this injustice is normalized. These children are cursed from birth into a life of objectification.
Something needs to be done.
Food for the Hungry is partnering with Friends of the Poor, which operates a girl’s home called House of Palms, in the Bancha community of India. Friends of the Poor rescues girls from trafficking, provides full-time care, and raises the girls in a healthy and nurturing environment. House of Palms is an oasis amidst a morally-barren area. The staff instill and restore hope to children whose futures have been stolen from them.
(Photo courtesy of Food for the Hungry)
House of Palms has been operational for about 3 years and has a capacity for 50 girls. Most of the girls in the home were enrolled by their mothers still involved in the work, because they wanted a better life for their daughters. House of Palms is currently at full capacity. In addition to facilitating after-school programs, FH is committed to raising financial support for the construction of future homes like the House of Palms, with schools at each location. FH is also implementing long-term development strategies in the community through women’s savings groups, youth clubs, livelihoods training and much more.
Everything being done to rescue and restore these girls will be in the name of Christ. Staff want to show kids that God’s love is pure and caring. He will give them peace and not harm them.
Partner with Food for the Hungry and Friends of the Poor in prayer and financial support over this project.
As the agreement is signed in India and Bahrain, pray for those rescued to find healing and hope in Christ.
