Modern slavery does exist
18 October is European Anti-Trafficking Day – a day to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking and ways how to fight it. Sadly, thousands of vulnerable children and young people throughout Southeast Europe fall prey to human traffickers every year, who exploit them through forced prostitution or labour.
Imagine growing up with a violent father – without a mother to protect you – who sends you out begging on the streets. Imagine being taken to an orphanage because you are safer there than at home. Imagine finding out that your father was actually a trafficker who used to promise people jobs in foreign countries, take their money to bring them there and then abandon them without any job prospect…
How would you feel?
What chance in life would you have if the family that is meant to protect you is the one trying to exploit you?
Imagine some years after leaving the orphanage a family member suddenly taking an interest in you and offering you a really good job in a foreign country…
What would you do?
Thankfully, this real story of Valya* has a happy ending. But only thanks to FSCI’s House of Opportunity Programme that Valya had joined in Bulgaria to learn all the skills necessary for independent living, and thanks to the dedication and compassion of the staff team who helped prevent Valya from becoming another victim of human trafficking. Will she ever be completely free of the risk of being exploited? We don’t know, but we will do everything in our power to give her the support she needs to make wise choices. For now, we are delighted that Valya is doing well. She is working full time for a local business and living in a room of her own.
FSCI is actively working to PREVENT vulnerable people from becoming victims of trafficking by providing opportunities for dignified living and development of young underpriviliged individuals leaving state care. Will you join us in preventing trafficking in Southeast Europe?
Modern slavery is real. Be part of the solution by making a donation now.
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