Hope was just a 13-year-old boy when a woman came to his village in Ghana sharing news of a man looking to hire local boys. The woman promised Hope’s family that if he came with her, he would be sent to school and given opportunities that he would never find at home.
Driven by their dream for a better future, both Hope and his mother agreed he should go. So Hope left his family and soon learned he would not be given the opportunities he was promised. Instead, he became one of thousands who are currently enslaved in Ghana’s fishing industry — many under the age of 10.
“Is this how my life is going to end?”
— Hope
Hope was enslaved on the lake for five long years, enduring fear, abuse and the constant risk of drowning. Out on the water, nets sometimes became snagged, and Hope would have to slip under the water’s surface to try to free them before he ran out of air. More than once, he thought he would not make it out alive.
But thanks to the support of people like you we found Hope, and rescued him from the abuse he endured while enslaved on Lake Volta. Along with other children we have rescued, he is learning to thrive again.
John, when you think of the hope you bring so many, think of a brave child named Hope. We are so grateful to have you beside us in our mission to rescue, protect and restore those in need.
Until all are free,
The IJM Team
*Images are reenactments to protect the identity of survivors.
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