In Pakistan, there are over 3 million people trapped as indentured servants to a debt that can never be repaid in one of 20,000 brick making factories. In this culture, children inherit the debt of their parents leading to generational slavery in these families.
We partner with Families Set Free to be able to free the most vulnerable children from labor slavery and abuse.
Average cost to rescue one person from a lifetime of slavery = $100
Average cost to rescue, resettle, and restore one person = $400
Average cost to rescue one family from a lifetime of slavery = $500
Average cost to rescue, resettle, and restore one family = $2000
But the rescue is just the beginning. Our goal is to walk alongside these families for two years to resettle and restore them in their newfound freedom. What does it mean to resettle and restore? Upon rescue, we provide a rented home and food for the first month. We also set the parents up with an income-producing business, and enroll the children and youth in school and/or vocational training. Our future plans include structured, small communities using the “savings group” model for long-term sustainability.
Programs:
Debt Relief & Legal Support Since our founding, Families Set Free has rescued over 6,000 people in over 1,200 families by paying off their oppressive debts in full thanks to the generosity of our donors. In some cases, we have obtained legal support to help us.
Housing, Hunger, & Health After we pay their debt in full, Families Set Free provides for basic needs like food and rented homes for rescued families. We also ensure medical care is given to family members who need it.
Education for Children & Youth We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Over 500 children from rescued families have started attending school and many youth are now enrolling in vocational training.
Economic Empowerment for Men & Women: Through the generosity of our donors, Families Set Free has invested in income-producing, microbusinesses for our rescued families; things like grocery carts, rickshaws, sewing machines, etc.
