STORIES OF HOPE

This Is My Story...
I was born in a very poor family and when I was 13 my father died. At 17 my mother did not have enough money to send me to high school so she sent me with my older sister to the city. My sister organized a job for me there but when I went to start work, I discovered that I had been tricked by my own family members. They had sold me into exploitation. The owner told me that I had to work for him or he would kill me, so I had to stay. The boss would often mistreat me and I received a lot of hurt to my body and my heart in that place. I experienced many horrible things. After about a year there I heard of a woman who worked for Starfish Project. I asked her if I could go to work at their jewelry company. They hired me right away. I fled the horrible place and went to work for Starfish.

When I first arrived, I felt I was worthless and acted out in many ways. Then I went through counseling at Starfish Project, and I was able to let go of my past hurts, anger and bitterness. I realized that I am lovable, capable and finally, have hope. I also felt that I should be a light to other women, so I decided to get training in counseling. I have been attending classes through the Starfish Project. A few years ago I got married and I now have a beautiful baby. I live with my family in our own apartment and work as part of the management team for the Starfish Project jewelry company.

This is My Story...
I was abandoned when I was a young girl. I was left traveling from house to house until finally my mother found me and sold me to a man. Terrified, I ran away and eventually ended up living with my uncle. Not long after, he was diagnosed with cancer. He could not afford the medical bills so he sold me to work in exploitation. When I got there, I was told I owed the boss two months wages and had to sign a contract to work for him for two years. After the contract was up, he said I still owed more money. With no other means to pay off the debt, I felt trapped. I had no choice but to continue in the work.

One day women from the Starfish Project came to the brothel and befriended me. After six months and many visits by them, I realized their concern for me was sincere. I began a new life in the Starfish Project shelter, and I hope to one day have a family of my own.