We are celebrating with our team at Canaan Lighthouse in Ethiopia, who reintegrated 13 children in just one month. Each of these children were either survivors of modern slavery or previously at risk of exploitation. They are now safely back with their families, relatives or in an alternative safe family setting.
Five children were survivors of labour exploitation, including weaving and portering.
Three children had been working on the streets and in markets, trying to earn just enough money to survive. They would sit behind a set of scales and weigh people in exchange for a few coins.
Four children were living on the streets at risk of exploitation, begging, or collecting plastic bottles and scrap materials to sell.
One of the children had been trafficked for domestic work after being deceived by a perpetrator. He was found at a bus station by police officers who then referred him to Hope for Justice.
One parent, whose child had been trafficked to Ethiopia’s capital, told us: “I had lost hope of getting my child back safely, as I had received various disturbing reports about how exploiters handle victims in Addis Ababa. God bless you and your organisation; you gave me my child again.” The parent also said how important they felt it was that everyone works together to fight human trafficking.
Prior to reintegration, each of the 13 children had been receiving holistic tailored care at our Lighthouse, a short-term aftercare facility. This gave them access to food, shelter, counselling, trauma-informed therapy, fun activities and catch-up education.
Whilst children are staying at our Lighthouses, our social workers go to great lengths to trace their family members. This often involves investigative work in collaboration with the Government’s Bureau of Women and Children’s Affairs (BOWCA) officers, police, local government and other community figures. The process of ensuring successful reintegration is both challenging and hope-filled as the team works tirelessly to locate relatives who can offer the child a permanent, nurturing home.
Social workers reported a mix of happiness and tears witnessing the initial contact between families and their children, who had been separated for extended periods of time due to the various forms of exploitation.
Kaleab, one of our Social Workers at Canaan Lighthouse, said: “The moment of reintegration is an experience that transcends words. It is without doubt the most rewarding aspect of my work.”
For every child, the ideal setting for their growth and wellbeing is within the embrace of a loving family. That’s why, at Hope for Justice, we unequivocally prioritise family reintegration and reunification – getting children back into the safety and stability of a family setting, wherever possible.
Our team delivered parenting skills training for the families and connected family members with each of the 13 children’s respective BOWCA officers. We also provide anti-trafficking training to ensure caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to safeguard children from re-trafficking.
Biniam Andargie, Head of Social Work at Canaan Lighthouse, said: “Reintegrations are a powerful affirmation of our shared humanity and the enduring strength of family bonds. In those moments, I sometimes find myself overwhelmed by a mix of emotions – laughing with joy, feeling a profound sense of achievement, and even shedding tears alongside mothers or other family members.
“The long distances walked, the sweat, and the exhaustion from traversing mountains and crossing rivers – sometimes for hours, even two to five hours – all fade away. The challenging journeys by car, motorcycle, cart and on foot are forgotten. It reminds me why every effort, every traced lead, every hour spent advocating for a child’s right to a family, is not just worthwhile, but essential.”
