By Rebecca Shaloff | Director of Development
Dear GlobalGivers,
Every child that we rescue is in a desperate situation. But some of the boys and girls we find and save (with your support) are actual slaves with a debt hanging over their head that has turned a person into property.
This is one of those stories. On November 21 of last year, GoodWeave inspectors found 13-year-old Bijay in a Kathmandu carpet factory. From a poor family, he used to deliver cylinders and do other household work while still going to classes. But when Bijay's grandfather died, the financial burden grew and he had to quit school entirely.
Shortly thereafter, a "contractor" came to his village and persuaded his parents to send Bijay to a carpet factory in exchange for 4,000 Nepalese rupees, the equivalent of $41. Bijay later told our social workers: "I really didn’t want to do weaving work. But nobody was there to hear my voice.”
Bijay worked from 4am to 9pm with one hour for mealtime. He tied thousands of knots. He was regularly beaten, especially when the contractor accused him of being too slow. He barely had room to move in the cramped quarters.
Since that day last winter when Bijay came into our care, GoodWeave has provided medical check-ups, academic opportunities, and most importantly, we listen to his voice. His dream is to continue his education and to be a doctor to “help the needy sick people.”
Thank you for enabling GoodWeave to support children who are victims of modern slavery and to hear their voice for the first time.
With profound gratitude,
Rebecca
By Rebecca Shaloff | Director of Development + Partnerships
By Rebecca Shaloff | Director of Development and Partnerships
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