International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

Today is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is a day that is aimed at remembering slavery in its historical forms and an opportunity to bring awareness to its modern manifestations. Modern day slavery is a social injustice that occurs today all over the world and right here in the United States. Today we honor and remember those who are or have been victims of slavery. 

In remembrance of the many human trafficking survivors we have been honored to help, we would love to share D's story with you. (D's real name is being concealed to protect her identity). 

D's Story

D is more than just a victim of human trafficking. She is a survivor and a champion.

When D was only 7 years old when her mother and three other siblings were abandoned by their father forcing them to move in with their Grandmother. Soon after, D’s mother also passed away making matters much more difficult.  In 2014 D’s life would change forever when she was attacked and raped, which led to her becoming pregnant. Her grandmother also became sick and was taken to town to seek better medical treatment. While her grandmother was away, D’s rapist found out she was pregnant and decided to abduct D and traffic her far away from her village and home. He also forced her, a minor,  to be his bride and hid her from the outside world.

D was rescued on July 17^th, 2015.  Engage Now Africa (ENA), working in partnership with Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM), Freedom Now International (FNI), Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), and a Uganda Criminal Intelligence & Investigation Directorate (CIID) officer along with the full support of local Uganda law enforcement, organized a rescue after receiving a tip about a sighting of D’s trafficker. After further investigation, the groups coordinated D's rescue from her trafficker at his residence. Uganda law enforcement successfully arrested the alleged trafficker.   He is currently in custody facing criminal charges of aggravated trafficking in accordance with Uganda’s Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2009 as well as additional charges relating to kidnapping and rape or defilement.

One female social worker from KCM involved in the actual rescue personally knew D and had spent the last year helping to try and find her. After realizing she recognized the social workers face D became calm and then leaped into her arms overwhelmed with emotions, relieved her captivity was now over. 

Since D’s rescue she has been receiving excellent medical and psychological support, care, and services to meet all her needs. She is recovering in a safe house run and managed by KCM.  KCM is a local grassroots Ugandan NGO that specializes in assisting children that have been the victim of trafficking and slavery. Financial support is being provided by ENA and O.U.R.

Additionally, on July 25^th, 2015 D gave birth by C-section to a baby boy and they both are recovering and doing very well. She and the baby have even been able to receive visits from her grandmother and siblings while in recovery and she is so happy to be reunited with her family again.  KCM, FNI, ENA and O.U.R. continue to work to ensure that D's alleged trafficker is prosecuted and that D and her baby continue getting the proper aftercare they deserve.   Psychological counselors and social workers continue to work with D and both D and the baby are in good health. D expects to return to school next year after her baby turns one.

HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS GIRL AND OTHERS LIKE HER IN THEIR RECOVERY

You can help assist D and her baby in their recovery by making a donation today to ENA.  With your support  ENA can continue to provide legal, medical, psychological care and support to those like D. You can also provide assistance through the donation of in kind goods for her and her baby. We are currently seeking donations for certain items that they need. They are as follows:

ITEMS NEEDED FOR THE BABY:

1. Baby clothes i.e. one piece out fits, shirts, pants, sweaters, hats and mittens, socks, booties , shoes and pajamas. 

2. Diapers 

3. Wipes 

4. Changing pads 

5. Baby carrier 

6. Stroller

7. Car seat 

8. Walker 

9. Feeding bottles 

10. Formula 

11. Bottle brushes 

12. Breast pump 

13. Bowls 

14. Baby spoons 

15. Wearable blankets 

16. Baby crib and mattress 

17. Baby soothers 

18. Toys and teething toys

19. Play mat 

20. Baby- friendly laundry detergent  

ITEMS NEEDED FOR D

 1. Clothes size 10 

 2.  Sweater 

 3. Shoes size 6 

 4. Showering gel 

 5. Nursing pads, Nursing bras size (38/85) and under garments 

 6. Baby bag 

 7. Suitcase 

If you have items you would like to donate, please contact chris@engagenowafrica.org.

 Please follow and share ENA's social media stories with your families and friends! Visit our website here to learn more about ENA and our purpose to engage and strengthen individuals, families, and communities to end poverty. Get more involved by educating yourself, raising awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery in your community, and joining with us to end it now!