Overview

The Banchara are a people-group who are raised to believe that their god wants their first born daughters to work as prostitutes. These young girls are raised with an expectation that they will support their family through sex-work from an early age. However, a small number of families are seeking alternative, better lives for their girls and are working with our implementing partner to make this a reality. They have placed their girls in a hostel, away from family pressure, where they can be brought up to expect more from their lives. They are sent to school and taught to dream of a better life – not forced prostitution. This three- year project will fund an education grant to allow both girls and boys to access schooling.

Why support this

We love that our partners are working with willing members of the local community to bring about culture change and deliver better futures for a number of young girls. We have been with them since the beginning of the project five years ago when they started with 20 girls. There are now 80 girls and 25 boys living in the compound. We have visited the home several times, met the girls and heard about their plans for the future. One young girl is now dreaming of becoming an engineer! This new three-year project allows our partners time to seek alternative, sustainable ways of funding education for these girls.

Budget

$24,000 for year 1 of a 3yr project. Total budget $72,000

Expected Life Change

• The girls will be able to provide for themselves and their families through alternate careers
• Freedom from HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases, giving them healthier and longer lives
• Slowly but surely we are seeking a transformation of an entire community