A 13-year-old girl has been supported to enrol at school so that she can pursue her hopes and dreams – after being trafficked twice.
Sifen* was raised by her parents in South Ethiopia Regional State. But due to their economic struggles, she was never able to attend school.
Living in a situation of poverty, it was all too easy for an aunt to exploit Sifen. She was trafficked to a nearby city on the promise of being enrolled at school. Instead the aunt kept her trapped inside as a domestic slave.
One of Hope for Justice’s social workers, Meskerem Ayele, said: “For more than two years, Sifen found herself buried under endless household chores and made to babysit young children. Despite her pleas to be given access to education, Sifen’s aunt turned a deaf ear and used her as a labourer.”
After two years, Sifen was allowed to return home to see her family and she managed to escape the clutches of her aunt. But soon after, a broker approached the family, promising better opportunities in Addis Ababa, the country’s capital. Uninformed of the dangers and lacking awareness of human trafficking, Sifen’s parents reluctantly agreed, hoping it would give their daughter the education she deserved.
But yet again, Sifen was exploited, this time for forced labour. Our social worker said: “She endured long hours of hard labour as well as psychological torment for three months. Sifen thankfully managed to run away from the abusive situation, and she was found by the police.”
Police officers knew about Hope for Justice’s work and brought Sifen to one of our Lighthouses – safe havens for children who have been exploited, or who are at risk of modern slavery.
Sifen received medical services and psychosocial support. With the help of her counsellor, she began to process her trauma and gradually regained confidence.
Meskerem said: “It quickly became clear how deeply Sifen valued education. She was so resilient and inspired the other children. She thrived in the catch-up education lessons and participated wholeheartedly in life skills sessions.”
Whilst Sifen was staying at the Lighthouse, our team worked to trace her family. A social worker has now successfully reunited the child with her family. They told us: “There was such joy at the reunion. Her mother and grandmother welcomed her home with open arms. It seemed their hearts would burst with love.”
Hope for Justice’s social worker provided the family with education around the dangers of child domestic work and human trafficking. Our team emphasised the critical importance of education and, now equipped with modern slavery awareness, Sifen’s family promised to enrol her in school.
We provided Sifen with educational materials for school. We also provided her mother with some small business training as well as a small Income Generative Activity (IGA) grant. This will empower her to start a small-scale business, helping to improve the family’s economic situation.
Meskerem added: “With renewed hope and a loving family behind her, Sifen has stepped into a future filled with possibilities, ready to reclaim the education she has always wanted.”
*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor
