I have hope as we approach the year-end holidays, and I hope that you do, too. With the many challenges we face in promoting equality and universal freedom in the world today, what brings me hope is the optimism I hear from slavery survivors and their families around the world.
“My life was a total mess,” says Emmanuel, who was enslaved on fishing boats in Ghana until Free the Slaves intervened. When Emmanuel was rescued, he received medical care and psychological counseling at Village of Life center, run by a Free the Slaves partner organization. And, for the first time in his life, Emmanuel attended basic classes. “I thought that was the end of the world until I was rescued.”
“My financial position has improved,” says Stella, whose Ghanaian grandchildren were vulnerable to trafficking until a Free the Slaves savings and loan association helped her expand her small store to build financial resilience. “I am excited because I am able to provide adequately for my grandchildren.”
“I put my life at risk, but it is not a problem,” says former child domestic servant Jisiki in Haiti. Although she has been threatened by those who use children as household servants, she continues to go door to door to educate people that child slavery is illegal – and to spot current child slaves and report cases to the police. “What is most important for me is the liberation of the children.”
Will you continue to support the Free the Slaves mission to help the enslaved break free and stay free?
Freedom is contagious. When one person breaks free, they inspire the next person to take their own first step. When one community becomes slavery resistant, the next village follows their example. Freedom is a powerful force for justice, equality, dignity – and hope.
“I want to educate my kids and motivate others to do the same so at least the next generation does not lead to a life like mine,” says Soni, a trafficking survivor in India who now runs her own community vigilance committee (CVC) to help neighbors resist human traffickers who lure people into slavery with offers of loans.
Your continued investment in Free the Slaves makes dreams possible. Please renew your contribution today.
Free people have the possibility to shape the trajectory of their lives, and the future of their children. It takes courage and perseverance, but freedom has always been worth fighting for. That’s why I have hope that our fight to end slavery will be successful.
The staff and global partnership network of Free the Slaves hope that you have a happy year-end holiday season, and we thank you for your continued support.
Temporary changes to the tax code because of the COVID-19 pandemic allow U.S. individuals who do not itemize to deduct up to $300 of charitable contributions in 2020. Those who do itemize can deduct up to 100% of their income.
