Educate the Next Generation

Poverty is a causal factor in creating vulnerability that traffickers exploit. Lack of education available to women and girls, blocks them from mainstream economic advancement and leaves them vulnerable to trafficking. FGI believes that in order to prevent trafficking, the issue of poverty especially as it affects girls should be addressed.  Empowerment of girls (the most vulnerable group) will significantly decrease the pool of potential victims that traffickers can recruit and exploit. Through provision of education, vocational training and life/grooming skills, young at-risk girls will become empowered to resist “the lure” of better opportunities in urban centers or foreign countries, where they become susceptible to ruthless traffickers. FGI has completed a large 14-room building in Accra, Ghana, and will work in partnership with the office of the Accra Mayor to provide education and skills training to at-risk girls who have missed the opportunity to enroll in formal education. This strategy will also help to advance the Millennium Development Goal 3 of promoting gender equality and empowerment of women.

Specifically, FGI will establish an academy and training institute for girls focused on the ff:

Basic Education: An education serves as a preventative measure against human trafficking. When at-risk girls obtain an education, it lays a foundation that provides secure economic options for upward social mobility. 

Computer Training: IT education is a crucial element for increasing the chances for employment in today’s global economy. Combining computer skills and basic education to at-risk girls enhances their access to information technology, and provides them with sustainable opportunities for future employment.

Vocational Training and Skills Building: Skills and vocational training provide an alternative livelihood to unemployment or poorly paid labor as a preventative strategy, especially to those that were not able to complete their formal education.  If a young woman is trained as a seamstress, that provides her with a skill that can generate income, so she does not have to resort to informal economic activities that place her at risk of being trafficked.

Mentoring, Life and Wellness Services (including HIV/AIDS counseling): In order to ensure that the girls receive a holistic training, the academy will provide mentoring and general wellness services. These will include grooming, HIV/AIDS awareness and counseling, as well as periodic health check-ups. Sports and other recreational activities will also be integrated into the program to ensure health and general wellness.