During Human Trafficking Awareness month, we want you to know that you've made a tremendous impact on the girls in Cambodia who come from backgrounds of human trafficking. To show our appreciation, we've created a special thank you video for you directly from Cambodia. Watch Hagar's thank you video (one minute).  

We look forward to our journey together in 2012.  

Links:

• Thank You Video

“I did not choose the darkness. People tricked me. They brought me to a place and locked me inside a small room. They forced me to take a pill.  Darkness surrounded me like a blanket. I was lost and confused. Even when I was rescued, I felt the same. Like I could not escape.”

Kyky's story echoes the experiences of so many other young girls who have suffered the trauma and violation of sexual exploitation. Kyky is the whole reason Hagar walks the entire painstaking journey to wholeness. Because of your support we can provide the long-term aftercare that girls who have survived human trafficking need.

Now, after seven years of aftercare at Hagar, Kyky is strong. She has courage and hope for the future. With big dreams in her heart, she has finally escaped the darkness.

Links:

• New Hope for Rescued Girls Video
• About Cambodia on Hagar Website

Saved from a life of slavery, every girl has different needs.  But one need is always the same.  Education. Hagar's catch-up school in Cambodia teaches two grades per year.  Once students are caught up to their age peers, they are integrated into a private school.  

Last month, students at Hagar's School shared their dreams for the future with their teachers.  It is our priveledge to share the girl's dreams with you:

• "My dream is to be a good hair dresser and I want to run my own business so I can train young poor children, who are victims of abuse to be experts in this skill. I am happy because at Hagar I can learn these skills."      - Rous Thavy, 16 years old, Grade 1A

• "My dream is be a senior bank manager, because I want to be a reputable person in society.  I can also help my family and those who are poor and abused like me."  -Pov Lina, 8 years old, Grade 1A

• "My dream is to be a manager at an organization, because I want to help abused victims like me rebuild their future."  -Ny Theary, 13 years old, Grade 1A

• "My dream is to be a doctor, because I want to cure people who are ill.  I also want to help my community since there are not many doctors there."        - Mol Sonita, 9 years old, Grade 3

We know that education can make dreams happen.  Thank you for your continued support.

Links:

• 45 second photo slideshow
• Hagar USA
• Facebook Photos

                             CONNECT WITH A TRAFFICKING EXPERT IN CAMBODIA                  

We are hosting a LIVE call with Cambodia this Tuesday, July 19th at 6:00pm (PDT) or 9:00pm (EDT).  One of Hagar's managers, Sue Hanna, will share client's stories, on-the-ground issues, and take your questions. 

Take this two-minute survey to become eligible.  If you are one of the 25 people selected (in a random drawing), we'll email you call-in instructions this weekend.  

You'll need to ACT FAST to qualify for this unique opportunity to connect with a trafficking expert in the field.

Links:

• Sign up for the LIVE call

Pich is now eighteen-years-old and has journeyed for several years through the pain and triumph of recovery. She was trafficked and abused at a very young age and through counseling was able to confront her perpetrator in court. Pich has created a new life for herself in the USA, with the help of a deeply committed foster family.

Sometimes, the memories still hurt and life isn't always easy, but Pich has come a long way.  She's a confident young woman now.

Maly recently arrived in the USA as a victim-witness. She is nine-years-old and is preparing to confront her perpetrator in court in a few months.  Though she is staying with Pich's loving family, the change has been immense for her and she misses home, Cambodia. 

Maly shared her mixed emotions and worries with the family, and Sarah (Hagar staff).  As Maly's eyes filled with tears, Pich reached over and embraced her, whispering, "everything will be okay."  There is power in this short sentence, coming from a young woman who knows and can say with conviction that 'it will be okay'.

Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for each of its beneficiaries. To protect the identity of our clients, names have been changed and pictures do not necessarily represent the individual profiled.

Links:

• http://hagarusa.org/stories/cambodia-recovery-shelter-for-trafficked-girls/