More than 3,000 child survivors of human trafficking and exploitation have received aftercare at one of Hope for Justice’s Lighthouses.
Canaan Lighthouse in Ethiopia, one of three Lighthouse shelters directly run by Hope for Justice in Africa, has provided short-term aftercare to 3,000 boys since it first opened its doors 18 years ago. Three brave survivors shared their stories as part of a celebration event to mark the milestone.
Government officials, NGO representatives, law enforcement and other key partners were invited to the occasion in recognition of their contribution to the success of the project.
Wondimu Dirar, Canaan Lighthouse Project Manager, said: “We believe reaching 3,000 survivors is not just a number but a testament to the unwavering dedication of Hope for Justice and its staff in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and modern slavery in their journey to recovery. We did not walk this path alone. Our partners were with us every step of the way. We believe the event will help us to revitalise, strengthen, and expand referral linkages and networks.”
All of the children who receive aftercare at our Lighthouses are either survivors of modern slavery or were previously at risk of exploitation. The children are referred to Hope for Justice or identified by our trained outreach workers who engage with them on the streets. Of the 3,000 boys who have been supported at Canaan Lighthouse, 2,779 have been reintegrated back into safe family settings. A total of 32 children have been assisted into independent living.
Early days – Retrak
When Canaan Lighthouse first opened, there were five street children supported by six members of staff who worked for Retrak. Since then, our support services have developed and evolved. In its early years, the Lighthouse provided comprehensive assistance to a small number of children in a hostel. This approach later expanded into a day programme, where children received breakfast, lunch, life skills education, medical aid, counselling and recreational activities.
A significant shift occurred in 2018 when Retrak merged with Hope for Justice. Following this, the Lighthouse and the organisation responded more specifically to the issue of human trafficking and modern slavery. Services introduced at the time and strengthened in the years since include identifying survivors, providing aftercare, tracing family members, reintegration and follow-up care. There are currently 24 staff members serving 34 survivors.
Four of the original staff members are still employed at the Lighthouse.
Among them is Mekdes Berga, a cook and cleaner, who joined the team two months after the Lighthouse opened. She shared that helping children on their path to freedom and recovery has brought profound meaning and fulfilment to her and her family. She added that she often becomes very emotional when she reconnects with survivors she has supported and witnesses the incredible transformation in their lives.
Bireda Nezhenaga has also worked at the Lighthouse for 18 years as our Purchasing and Administration Officer. He said: “I started counting my age when I became part of this meaningful and purposeful work. For me, serving vulnerable children and survivors is not just a job; it is a sacred call, equivalent to serving God.”
The 3,000th survivor
The 3,000th survivor, Kantusha*, is 14 years old. He was trafficked to Addis Ababa by his older brother and exploited for labour. Kantusha was forced to wander the streets with a set of portable scales, weighing people in exchange for money. He worked dawn to dusk, in all weathers. The Ethiopian Birrs that he earned were then taken by his brother. Other children in these situations typically live in overcrowded, cramped spaces with little food.
Kantusha eventually managed to run away from his brother but ended up living on the streets. Our outreach workers found him and invited him to join Canaan Lighthouse. There, he had access to various aftercare services, including shelter, clothing, nutritious food, medical care, catch-up education, counselling and life skills.
At the celebration event, once guests had departed, Kantusha and other survivors delivered a performance to depict how children are trafficked and exploited within the weight measurement business. Their role-play demonstrated how children are abused by perpetrators, how Hope for Justice identifies at-risk children, assists in their recovery and reintegrates them with their families.
Kantusha is very keen to learn and actively participates in his classes at the Lighthouse. He says he would like to continue his education. Our team of social workers have been able to successfully trace his family and are preparing for him to be reintegrated with his relatives.
Two other survivors bravely shared their stories of being identified and supported at the Lighthouse. Both told their experiences of living on the streets, at risk of exploitation, before our outreach workers connected with them. Though their reasons for ending up on the streets differed, they both said Canaan Lighthouse had been instrumental in their recovery. Today they are successful business owners, providing employment opportunities for others.
Continuing to make an impact
Our Lighthouse Project Manager, Wondimu Dirar, joined Hope for Justice in April this year. He said: “Before joining the organisation, I was familiar with Hope for Justice and its Lighthouse services, and how impactful its work is. It is truly a privilege and a blessing to now contribute to this mission and vision. Managing and leading Canaan Lighthouse, witnessing and supporting survivors on their recovery from exploitation and toward freedom, is an incredibly fulfilling experience.”
Matiyas Girma, one of our Social Workers, added: “Celebrating 3,000 children who have been freed from the hands of human trafficking and modern slavery is a truly remarkable and humbling achievement. Every number in that record signifies a voice restored, a future restored, and a life transformed. It is evidence of the persistent effort, unshakable optimism, and profound dedication that underpin all that we do at Hope for Justice. This is a plea to keep fighting until every child is free, not just a celebration of the progress that has been made. I appreciate being a part of this journey.”
*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor
