Girl Matter by ChannelGood: Part II

After presenting the girls were given an opportunity to ask us any questions that they had or to share their thoughts on what we had to say. It was tough getting them to speak up at first because they were all very shy, but soon some started talking. All of the girls that did share expressed their gratitude towards us for taking the time to come visit them. Some of them told us what kind of work they hoped to do when they got older, but there was one girl who I can't stop thinking about.

I don't remember exactly how old she is, but she definitely falls between 18-20. Right now she thinks she wants to be either a teacher or social worker but is undecided between the two. The predicament she shared with us is not whether she should be A or B; instead, it's what to do about college. She realizes that she will most likely not be the one paying for her schooling and that it will come from a scholarship or outside donor. But she's afraid to go to college and not for the reasons that one taking this step typically fears. She's afraid that she won't be good enough. That she's not smart enough. And that the money given to fund her education will be a waste.

My heart broke as I listened to her share her fears of being inadequate. A girl who has overcome such horrors in her life...afraid of not being strong enough to finish studying? Each one of us had something to share with her. To remind her of how smart she is and how much potential she has. To encourage her to discover where her passion lies and to pursue whatever it may be. She listened intently to each piece of advice that we were more than happy to share, nodded her head at what we were saying, smiled, and thanked us when we were done. I'm curious to see which path she ends up taking. Note to self: check in with Chely in some time to see what this girl is up to.

The next activity planned required us to split up into small groups. We were instructed to draw a picture of what the girl sitting to our right would be doing in ten years and shared it to the group afterwards. Everyone had fun with this as we were completely free to design whatever future we desired for our neighbor. People's future occupations ranged from models to lawyers and almost always embarrassed the girl described- in a fun, lighthearted way of course. It was too cute.

Unfortunately, I am unable to post any photos of the girls because some of their traffickers are still looking for them. After exchanging phone numbers with the other speakers, we wrapped up our day in the Safehouse and said our goodbyes. They waved and smiled as they watched us pull out of the drive. Just looking at them, you'd never know what histories they have. I'm marveled by their strength and beauty.


Some notes about GirlMatter:

• While some girls are sold into the trafficking business, often times they are tricked. For example, they may be told that there is work waiting for them in one of the big cities but are abducted once they leave their homes.
• The typical stay for a girl is around 6 months, but some of the girls living in the safehouse have already been there for a year or two. 
• The girls have a caretaker living with them. Additionally, a social worker and psychiatrist make regular visits.
• Girls under 18 years old are not permitted to leave the house. 18 & above leave for work once collaborating with the social worker.
• Fun fact: The safehouse & property was donated by the creator & author of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling!