Imagine being told that you have been selected to make thousands of dollars abroad or being exchanged at the hands of your own family for money in order for you and them to have a ‘better life’. Child victims of trafficking are recruited, transported, transferred, harbored or received for the purpose of exploitation. They may be forced to work in sweatshops, on construction sites or in houses as domestic servants; on the streets as child beggars, in wars as child soldiers, on farms, in traveling sales crews or in restaurants and hotels. Some are forced to work in brothels and strip clubs or for escort and massage services.

In Liberia, young girls are encouraged by their parents to find an older man or ‘papay’ to help support them and the family. Young girls are encouraged to provide favors in exchange for food, clothes, and money. This is just short of prostitution and what makes it even more devastating is that it is condoned by their parents.

In many West African countries such as Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria, young children are sent to relatives and close friends when parents can no longer afford to take care of them. In most cases these children become modern day indentured servants. They are subjected to abuse, physical and sexual, work long hours, and are not allowed to get an education.

Child trafficking of any form must end! L.I.T.E. shows mothers effective ways to financially support their families so that they do not feel their only choice is to give their child away. L.I.T.E also develops programs for young girls to show them the power of education. L.I.T.E. believes that education is the direct path out of poverty. Education will also shine light on the ugliness of trafficking and the brokenness it delivers to families.

We ask God for His grace and His tender mercy. We ask that He touch the hearts of each and every family and show them that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. We plead the blood of Jesus over each situation involving the welfare of children in West Africa and all across the world. We petition the Divine Intervention of Jesus, right now. In His name we pray – Amen!
When you support the educational programs of L.I.T.E. you help us END child trafficking every day! Thank you for your support!

Source: UNICEF

Don‘t wait any longer.