July 2021 Impact Report
Sanctuary Updates
The Kampala Sanctuary has been on full lock down since June 10 due to a surge in COVID-19 and government mandate. Despite those physical and emotional challenges presented by this, the Sanctuary continues to positively engage with and support the women in the program. In fact, the Kampala Sanctuary welcomed three new participants this past month and worked to fully integrate them into the community. Activities include consistent video meetings, WhatsApp discussions, and phone calls with participants and their families to support education and community building, two of our core pillars.
Our Mumbai Sanctuary has opened to participants and staff with reduced numbers and hours, as well as being limited to only those who live close by. An overdue order was packed and processed for a partner that put in a request while the Sanctuary was on lock down. It was a great opportunity for the participants in the office to strengthen their communication, coordination, and planning skills. Education has focused on applying strategies and techniques for habit tracking, desensitization of fear, decision making, empathy and leadership. Staff have given orientation sessions that provided context on International Sanctuary’s mission and values, as well as identified what opportunities exist outside the organization for participants.
Participants and staff at our Tijuana Sanctuary are in good health and all but one has received the COVID-19 vaccination. They are focused on making earrings and learning about the process through practice and skill development. The Sanctuary is proud to support girls and women in education. One of our participants will start her secondary education in August 2022, another will graduate September 2022, and a third is planning to start cosmetology school next year. The staff plans to provide special classes for these women to be successful and to help them create a healthy work and school balance.
The Cebu Sanctuary brought in a volunteer licensed teacher experienced with the Alternative Learning System, allowing the girls to finish their formal basic education while earning an income. The Sanctuary worked with a private eye clinic for free eye exams and affordable prices allowing three participants to purchase glasses. Another partnership they are excited about is with Glory Reborn, a nonprofit maternity clinic, as a Sanctuary participant is pregnant and in need of quality medical treatment. As a community they have established a Made to Connect series that helps the participants and staff establish positive relationships among themselves and focuses on helping everyone express empathy and vulnerability, as well as how to handle feeling shame.
Human Trafficking Statistics
A $150 billion industry, human trafficking targets the world’s most vulnerable people.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Day
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One Day of Hope Collection
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