Gift* grew up in a small town in southern Ethiopia. His parents separated and he was raised by his mother. But when he was just 10 years old, his mother sold him into forced labour.
Gift was taken from his home – from everything he knew, everything that provided him with stability – and transported 300 miles away to the capital city.
He told us in his own words: “My mother gave me to someone who brought me to Addis Ababa. I was forced to weave for nine months, from 6am until 9pm, with no breaks, for six days per week. All I got to eat were pieces of bread and some drink to sustain myself. I was beaten by the man.”
The US Bureau of International Labor Affairs published a report, ‘Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor’, which highlights that Ethiopia’s laws allow children aged 15 and 16 to engage in hazardous work, with weaving practices known to be unsafe.
It found that, in 2023, Ethiopia made “moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor”. But “hazardous work protections do not extend to traditional weaving, an area of work in which there is evidence that children use dangerous machinery, equipment, and tools”.
A traditional Dorze market in Ethiopia. Stock image
Thankfully Gift was able to escape from his labour exploitation and managed to find a local NGO who could help him. He was then referred to one of Hope for Justice’s Lighthouses, our short-term transition centres, where we provide medical checks, shelter, catch-up education, counselling and trauma-informed care.
A member of our team said: “Gift experienced profound trauma, leading to intense anxiety, anger, and recurring nightmares. His trust was shattered as he blamed his mother for his ordeal and his perpetrator for his exploitation.”
Gift was supported with trauma-informed therapy during counselling sessions, which focused on re-establishing trust and safety.
This approach helped him to start working through negative thoughts and emotions.
The nightmares have ended.
Gift is preparing to be reunited with his father and will soon return to school to continue his education. He will be able to live life to the full as he deserves to.
There are an estimated 1.3 million children trapped in forced labour worldwide. Will you help us to bring freedom to more children like Gift? To support our work, visit www.hopeforjustice.org/donate.
*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor
