 | |
|
|
 |
PROJECTS // Thailand / Nepal / Exhibitions
"NGOs estimate that between 5,000-7,000 Nepali girls are trafficked every year to India." Eight of us representing four different nations headed out from Youth With A Mission Perth on the 27th of November in hope that our simple actions would bring honour to those silenced under the hand of oppression and to serve those who serve them. The plan was to spend one week in Kathmandu (Nepal), and surrounding areas within the Kathmandu valley, and then head down to Mumbai (India) for the second week where we would follow the stories of the trafficked. We had previously established contacts in these locations, allowing us to depart with full confidence that there are people on the ground (long term) who carry the burden so deeply for these children to be protected. During the two weeks, we met with local ministries, non- government organsiations (NGO's), children, families, churches and other various individuals seeking greater insight and understanding into the injustice of child trafficking in South Asia. To be quick to listen and slow to speak is the key to understanding; to listen with our ears, eyes and our hearts, so that we are continuously absorbing all that is on offer. By doing this we are able to effectively communicate the stories of these children's lives, and the surrounding structures that influence them to those around us wherever and whenever that may be. To travel from the laughter of the Nepali villages to the silence and despair of the Indian brothels is an encounter that impacted all of us to a place of brokenness and compassion. The truth remains that their lives are worth defending because they are made in the image of God. It is this truth that holds no boundaries, no social ladders, no age limit or racism. It is this truth that causes one to live with freedom in the midst of complete chaos. Compassion without action is sympathy, and sympathy by itself will not stop child trafficking. There was such a large amount of vision shared when conversing with various ministries and individuals on how to strategically develop, construct and define solutions in ending child trafficking that there was and is still a real hope that this can be achieved. The ideas ranged from education scholarships to medical treatment, border patrol training, advertising for initiatives, children at risk conferences, skills training and so much more. It is transforming these ideas into reality that the money raised through the exhibition will go towards establishing. It's when we all come together for the greater good of another that movement takes place and lives are changed. This is our story, and look forward to sharing many more.  Last updated April 2008 Copyright 2008 |