Sarah* was just 14 years old when her life took an unexpected and terrifying turn. Living in a small village with her parents, she had dreams of continuing her education. After taking the National Primary School Examination, her parents decided to send her to live with her grandparents in a larger town for schooling. But everything changed when a woman, introduced as a distant aunt, visited the village and offered to take Sarah to Freetown, promising to provide her with a better education and a bright future.

A Promising Opportunity Turns into Exploitation

Sarah’s family, excited by the promise of a better life for their daughter, agreed to the arrangement. They even gave the woman gifts to help take care of Sarah. But when they arrived in Freetown, the reality was starkly different from what had been promised. Months went by without Sarah being enrolled in school. When she finally questioned her so-called aunt about this, she was reluctantly enrolled but never allowed to attend.

Instead, Sarah was forced into a life of constant labor. She spent her days cooking, cleaning, and caring for the other children in the house. If she ever resisted, her aunt would beat her and insult her, often denying her food as punishment. One day, when Sarah was forced to sell fruit in the streets instead of attending school for exams, it became clear that her education was not a priority. Her aunt had no intention of fulfilling her promises.

Escaping the Abuse

The abuse worsened over time. Sarah’s health began to deteriorate, and despite her pleas for medical attention, her aunt ignored her. Eventually, Sarah realized that her only option was to escape. She fled the house, desperate for help.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs found Sarah and took immediate action. She was referred to World Hope International, where she was taken to the Recovery Centre. Here, Sarah finally found safety, receiving food, shelter, and the care she so desperately needed.

A Brighter Future Ahead

Sarah’s story is one of resilience and hope. While she endured unimaginable hardships, her escape and ongoing recovery highlight the importance of organizations like World Hope International in supporting the healing and restoration of survivors of trafficking. Her journey reminds us of the vital work being done to protect vulnerable children and give them a chance for a brighter future.

* Sarah is an alias used to protect the survivor’s identity.