Here’s what that means:
Education is the key to social change and is the best way to prevent trafficking. What makes DFN’s Good Shepherd schools unique is that we help transform communities through equal access to English medium education. The first school opened in 1998 and today, we have nearly 27,000 students in 100 schools all over India. Priority admission is given to the most vulnerable to trafficking due to illiteracy and extreme poverty.
We seek to end the ritualized sex slavery of women and children, especially girls. Though illegal, it is estimated that this system enslaves more than 100,000 today. We have trained workers in over 200 villages who work with local officials and at-risk families. Additionally, we have a 150-bed shelter for 100 girls and 50 women. Residents receive education at one of our schools and/or skills training in a safe, home-like environment. Spiritual and trauma counseling provide healing and hope.
We seek to end the ritualized sex slavery of women and children, especially girls. Though illegal, it is estimated that this system enslaves more than 100,000 today. We have trained workers in over 200 villages who work with local officials and at-risk families. Additionally, we have a 150-bed shelter for 100 girls and 50 women. Residents receive education at one of our schools and/or skills training in a safe, home-like environment. Spiritual and trauma counseling provide healing and hope.
Skills development is fundamental to strong families and communities. One of the best ways to combat trafficking is to enable families to earn a sustainable living. We provide vocational training programs and operate a tailoring center specifically created to sew Good Shepherd school uniforms. This center provides employment for vulnerable women who have been trained in our tailoring course.
Our network of Community Health Workers meets basic health needs in rural villages and Good Shepherd Schools. They offer health and hygiene education and refer patients for further care when needed. A network of more than 40 virtual clinics has opened in just the last 18 months, and future plans include a hospital.
Our network of Community Health Workers meets basic health needs in rural villages and Good Shepherd Schools.
They offer health and hygiene education and refer patients for further care when needed. A network of more than 40 virtual clinics has opened in just the last 18 months, and future plans include a hospital.
“THE REASON I DECIDED TO SPONSOR A CHILD THROUGH DFN WAS BECAUSE I WAS MOVED WHEN I LEARNED FROM A FRIEND WHO SHARED HOW THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED PEOPLE OF INDIA ARE DENIED ALL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES. HE SAID, “THEY JUST WANT SCHOOLS TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN.” I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT EVERYONE IS CREATED SPECIAL AND IS LOVED EQUALLY. I ALSO STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO FREEDOM. NO CHILD SHOULD BE DENIED THAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET EDUCATED.”
“WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF CHILDREN IN INDIA, I THOUGHT, “THAT’S TERRIBLE. NO ONE SHOULD BE TREATED THAT WAY NO MATTER HOW RICH OR POOR THEY ARE.” I DID SOME RESEARCH TO GATHER MORE BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE. MY HEART ACHED FOR THOSE PEOPLE AND I KNEW I NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING FOR MY ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDRAISER. I RAISED $160 FROM BAKED GOODS IN JUST A FEW HOURS, AND MY PARENTS MATCHED THAT. I AM SO HAPPY TO SHARE WITH THOSE IN INDIA WHO NEED IT THE MOST.”
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