In the ongoing struggle to end child trafficking, forced labor, and abuse, the Volta Revival Foundation (VRF) stands as a beacon of hope fueled by the support of international agencies and local partners. With a recent infusion of over $70,000 in grants from two international agencies and the Teshi Foundation, VRF is poised to expand its vital work in 18 coastal communities of Ada, Ghana.
The core of VRF's mission lies in community-based education and intervention, targeting the root causes of trafficking and exploitation. By engaging with community strengths, VRF establishes robust mechanisms for reporting cases and empowers individuals to become advocates for change.
At the heart of their efforts is the Liberate Me program, which has already provided rescue and rehabilitation to 95 survivors of forced labor and trafficking since 2019, with a significant portion of these interventions occurring since the opening of their shelter in 2022.
The Liberate Me program is a comprehensive initiative encompassing investigation, intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration. It operates on multiple fronts, including a public office, a 24/7 reporting hotline, and extensive community-based education programs. Through peer-to-peer education initiatives, VRF equips school children with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their peers.
Central to the program's success is its holistic approach to rehabilitation. Survivors receive trauma-informed mentorship, psychological assessment, and comprehensive education on emotional and mental health, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health. Primary education, life skills training, and recreational activities are also provided, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
The shelter, equipped to accommodate 15-20 children of both genders, ensures a safe and nurturing environment for recovery. Live-in-house parents, trained in mental health and trauma management, provide personalized care, while partnerships with the Ada District Hospital ensure access to essential healthcare services.
Individualized goals and criteria are established for each child and their family throughout rehabilitation, guiding them toward successful reintegration. VRF's commitment extends beyond the shelter, offering ongoing mentorship and support to survivors and their families. In some cases, survivors are sponsored to attend boarding schools, furthering their education and opportunities for a brighter future.
VRF's dedication to breaking the cycle of trafficking and exploitation extends to the broader community through mentorship programs and advocacy for human rights and legal literacy. Together with their partners, VRF envisions a future where the scourge of child trafficking, forced labor, marriage, and abuse is eradicated.
As they press forward in their mission, VRF remains deeply grateful to their partners for their unwavering support, recognizing that only through collective effort can lasting change be achieved. With determination and resilience, they strive towards a day when every child can live free from the shackles of exploitation, knowing that their work is not just a fight for justice but a beacon of hope for future generations.