Overview
The Banchara are a people-group who are raised to believe that their god wants their first born daughters to work as prostitutes. These young girls are raised with an expectation that they will support their family through sex-work from an early age. However, a small number of families are seeking alternative, better lives for their girls and are working with our implementing partner to make this a reality. They have placed their girls in a hostel, away from family pressure, where they can be brought up to expect more from their lives. They are sent to school and taught to dream of a better life – not forced prostitution. This three-year project will fund an education grant to allow both girls and boys to access schooling.
Why Support This
We love that our partners are working with willing members of the local community to bring about culture change and deliver better futures for a number of young girls. We have been with them since the beginning of the project five years ago when they started with 20 girls. There are now 80 girls and 25 boys living in the compound. We have visited the home several times, met the girls and heard about their plans for the future. One young girl is now dreaming of becoming an engineer! This new three-year project allows our partners time to seek alternative, sustainable ways of funding education for these girls.
Budget
$24,000 per year for a three-year project.
The budget supplies an education pool to cover school expenses of students. This includes fees, stationery, text books, uniforms and school shoes.
The Need
There is a huge need to provide alternative options to a life of prostitution for these young girls. Keeping the girls safe from coercion and giving them an education will allow them to earn income in healthier, more life-affirming ways and prove to their community that they still have worth. Many girls who have already been forced into prostitution are hoping for better lives for their sisters. Many of those who had no choice now have HIV and an extremely bleak future.
Expected Life Change
