Miriam is nine years old and is from Les Cayes, Haiti. After the death of her father, her mother could no longer cope with caring for Miriam and her seven siblings. Hoping for a better future, she made a drastic decision: she sent Miriam as a restavek, domestic worker, to a family in Cavaillon.
Everything seemed to be going well, but that soon changed. Miriam was beaten, had to work hard and was not allowed to go to school. Her mother had no idea of the poor conditions her daughter lived in.
From ignorance to hope
A year later, Miriam's mother attended a Justice Training at the church. There, she learned that the restavex system is a modern form of slavery, in which children are exploited as domestic workers. She realised that she should not have done this to her daughter. In tears, she called the course leader and told him everything. Determined, she went to Cavaillon to get Miriam back. Despite their poverty, she brought her daughter back home. What a turnaround!
A new beginning
Miriam is included in Restavek Freedom's programme. She lives with her mother and siblings again and has finally started her first year of school. In the programme, she also receives psychosocial support. Her story shows how awareness can change lives.
The fight against restavek
Haiti was one of the first countries to abolish slavery in 1804. Yet today, it is estimated that around 300,000 children still live as restavek. They are abandoned by their parents in the hope of a better life, but often end up in a situation of exploitation and isolation.
Restavek Freedom is committed to liberating these children. They help them return to school, offer psychosocial support and make host parents aware of their responsibility. Because every child has the right to education a safe environment.
Justice Trainings: raising awareness through the church
In collaboration with churches, schools and communities, Restavek Freedom makes the issue of exploitation open to discussion. This is done, for example, with the six-week Justice Trainings. During these trainings, Biblical themes such as justice and love are addressed, as well as children's rights and Haitian law. Course participants often become ambassadors in the fight against the restavex system. The churches that participate say they want to take more steps to protect children and raise awareness.
Are you competing?
Your support makes this work possible. Thanks to your prayers and donations, children like Miriam can get a fresh start. Please continue to pray, support the project and share this story.
