OVERVIEW
The Banchara are a people-group who are raised to believe their god wants their daughters to work as prostitutes. Young girls are raised with an expectation that they will support their family through sex-work from an early age. However, a small number are seeking alternative, better lives for their girls, and are working with our implementing partners to make this a reality. They have placed their girl children in a home, 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 prostitution. This project will fund an education grant to allow the girls to access schooling.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT
We love that our partners are working with willing members of the local community to bring about culture change and deliver better lives to a number of young girls. Our Project Manager visited the home in late 2015 and got to meet some of the girls, and hear about their plans for the future. One young girl is now dreaming of becoming an engineer! This is a three year project to allow our partners time to seek alternative, sustainable ways of funding education for the girls.
BUDGET
The budget supplies an education pool to cover school expenses of 95 young girls. 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.
LIFE CHANGE
