Accepting residential services as last resort for the children in need of alternative service, we try to cater for the young survivors. This project is to meet the need of young survivors themselves, to empower them educationally, skill wise and economically. These survivors have the aim of gaining their School Leaving Certificate without worrying about earning a living at the same time.
In 2014 we opened our Residential Home for Teenage Survivors, for girls aged 14-18, who want to return to school after being rescued from trafficking and being rejected by their family or community. We call it the SEE Centre - 'SEE' stands for the Skills, Education and Economic empowerment that our centre aims to give these girls.
Our research, "Looking Towards Tomorrow: A Study on the Reintegration of Trafficking Survivors, 2012" shows that rescued girls entering low-grade employment face a difficult and often abusive future. Education to School Leaving Certificate standard, along with support into meaningful employment, is the key to a truly self-sufficient future.
The residents study at a local learning centre that specialises in teaching both older students and those from abusive backgrounds.
Aside from formal education, activities at the SEE Home include counselling, therapeutic care (eg dance and motion therapy), healthcare and communal activities. Overseen by a full-time House Mother, and with a teacher to help with school work outside school hours, the girls run the home and look after themselves.
This home cares for 12 girls per year and we are looking to divide this into two Family Group Homes in 2018, after seeing the positive impact of smaller home units on the behaviour of the younger children who used to be in our Children's Home for 20 children.
Supported by: Global Fund for Children, Kat-Kids, Bermuda, The Gentle Rain Foundation and HRest.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To reduce the risk of further abuse (in low grade employment, especially in the entertainment/restaurant sector)
To provide quality education for these kids to secure their future
To gain a minimum of School Leaving Certificate level of education
Have the ability to secure a meaningful and self sufficient means of employment
HOW WE DO IT
Provide safe and empowering residential service for 12 girls at one time
Empower the girls educationally, find them job and reintegrate them in community
Coordinating Vocational Skills according to the interest of each girl
Provide general health care for their welll being
Psychosocial counselling : the girls are supported with therapy and emotional support to improve their mental health
Social and recreational activities: outings are planned every 3 months, all cultural holidays are celebrated, including birthdays and visiting their family is encouraged.
Successful reintegration into society: Assessing the willingness of girls and family reintegration is planned and reintegrated according to their preference either to their family or independently in the community.
Case management service: this service ensures that all the beneficiaries are cared for in individual basis, their needs are acknowledged individually, and addressed accordingly.
