GlobalGiving.org: Empower Abused and Trafficked Vietnamese Women

In Just Two Years

Jane Tafel — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:01:05 GMT

Reintegrated Woman Served by Hagar Vietnam

Hagar Vietnam has provided healing and recovery to survivors of trafficking and abuse. Here's a snapshot of what we've accomplished in two years:

112 women have received holistic services (Individual Care, Client Training, Career Development, and Capacity Building programs).

62 trainings have been conducted for Hagar Vietnam clients aimed at personal development, which focuses on growing each clients’ soft-skills and hard skills, as well as providing them with reflection and empowerment tools for personal recovery.

Approximately 50% of Hagar Vietnam clients are already employed and living self-sufficiently, while others remain in Hagar’s long-term care and progress towards economic and personal independence.

However, Hagar Vietnam’s successes are not merely measured in statistics and numbers. The long-term model of care was developed so that the needs of each, individual person are considered, as many of Hagar Vietnam’s most successful women are the very individuals that have transcended the darkest and most traumatic of situations.

Thank you for your generosity and ongoing commitment to these women.

Alumni Follow-Up Training for Reintegrated Women & Current Clients

Maria Van Hoorn — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:39:59 GMT

Alumni Follow-Up Training in Vietnam

This week Hagar held an Alumni Follow-Up Training to provide support to women that have been reintegrated into the Hanoi Community. These women, who had been trafficked and abused, are now working full-time and supporting their children independently. Some of Hagar Vietnam's current clients also participated.

It was a special time for these women to reconnect with one another, share their successes and challenges personally and professionally, and have fun together. As you'll see from the pictures, they participated in group discussions, creative exercises, and reflected.

The 14 women that participated on Wednesday, July 3rd, said they would love to come back more often. Now, Hagar will be offering this training twice a month.

A Creative Exercise during the Training.

Sharing Successes and Challenges

A Month of Progress at Joma Bakery Café

Maria Van Hoorn — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:57:09 GMT

Baking at Joma Bakery Cafe

April has been an exciting month for Hagar Vietnam and Joma Bakery Café, Hagar’s enterprise partner. Twelve Hagar clients are excelling at their positions, after completing Hagar’s job readiness and vocational training. To celebrate the progress they’ve made, Joma Bakery Café increased their salaries and improved their benefits package.

Yen joined the employees and Hagar clients at Joma Bakery Café. This month, she graduated from Hoa Sua’s vocational training with baking and hospitality skills. She said:

“I feel happy and confident with my new position.”

Behind the scenes at Joma Bakery Cafe

Links:

Hiens Story of Transformation

Jane Tafel — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:34:30 GMT

Women's Artwork in Vietnam

At 22 years old, Hien joined Hagar's first personal development training group in 2009. In her first session, she tried to paint for the first time. Frustrated, she threw the painting brush to show the facilitator that she could not do it. She was very shy and had low confidence in herself. She rarely spoke in front of the group. After three sessions, she felt safer and started to share more. The other women in the group always listened when she spoke because it was always with deep meaning.

After she completed the personal development and job readiness training, she attended a room service training course for six months. Upon graduation from vocational training, Hagar established an internship for her at the Sofitel Plaza. After her internship, Hagar helped her secure a full time position at a five star hotel. She is one of the extraordinary examples for transformation.

In 2011, Hagar will transform the lives of 50 women like Hien.

Personal Development Training Painting Supplies

Links:

About Hagar Vietnam

Hagar Vietnam Celebrates

Jane Tafel — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:07:25 GMT

At Hagar Vietnam a few weeks back, 13 women stood proudly and confidently receiving certificates and flowers. Each was a survivor of human trafficking or domestic violence. Each had completed an important part of the journey toward wholeness. They were graduating from Hagar's 'Career Pathways' program in Hanoi, ready to begin their first work placements at Joma Bakery Cafe, Hagar's enterprise partner. For most, this would be their first experience with safe and dignified work, earning a sustainable income.

Each woman survivor made a bold statement that night. Their pasts would not define their futures. It was a night to remember, with nearly 200 people watching in awed silence. "The women had no idea that so many people cared about them," said Agnes Lam, Hagar Vietnam Country Leader. "Many of them were in tears at the end of the night, as were many of our guests."

One of the women who celebrated her empowerment was Bih:

Bih grew up always feeling different from others. She didn't feel smart, because she only finished fourth grade. The hardest part was she had the nagging feeling that she would never be a daughter that her parents could be proud of.

When a kind friend of Bih’s asked her to go shopping at the Chinese border, she jumped at the chance. But a fun excursion turned into a nightmare. It wasn’t long before she realized she’d been trafficked. Bih spent three years in a China brothel and was only rescued when a man alerted the police. When she got back home, her family rejected and disowned her.

Now Bih is safe with Hagar. She is learning to take care of herself. A self-portrait painted by Bih was displayed at the Career Pathways graduation ceremony. Bih said, “My portrait reflects the strength I have found in myself, despite my difficult past.”

Links:

Watch a new Hagar Vietnam video

Hagar Vietnam Completes First Year

Jane Tafel — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:46:12 GMT

Helping each other become strong

It has been an encouraging first year for Hagar Vietnam. Early stories from Hanoi bring hope. As one example, 18-year old Trang looks back on her devastating past: “I feel more self-confident and strong now. I have the right to decide for myself what I can do and what I want to do. I can live a life without fear.” Over this past year, Trang and 12 others from backgrounds of domestic violence and trafficking have travelled a complex journey. In August, this first group completes their formal training. Hagar’s enterprise partner, Joma Bakery Café, will employ them. For most, this will be their first-ever experience with safe and dignified work. Still, we know that reintegrating to community can be a vulnerable time. Social workers are working with each woman to determine an individualized plan. Some will be supported in transitional housing. Each will be provided a stipend, to ensure living and childcare costs are adequately covered. Then, Hagar will provide on-going support and follow-up services for up to two years.

A second group of 14 Vietnamese women have already begun their own journeys. In 2010, we anticipate serving over 50 abused and trafficked women. Sex trafficking and violence against women has been a hidden issue in Vietnam. Only recently have these needs begun to be publically addressed.

From Agnes Lam, Hagar Vietnam Country Representative, “These women are amazing. They came in with the typical symptoms of trauma, and now they are glowing. It’s really amazing to see the transformation. And, as a Vietnamese-American, I love doing this work. It is my way of giving back.” We all appreciate the support of Global Giving donors and hope that you will continue to empower abused and trafficked Vietnamese women.

Links:

Learn about Hagar's model of social enterprise