Our Impact

53

Schools Built
Our S4F are a comprehensive program that educate children and work with adults to help them learn their rights and unite for freedom.

3241

Children Educated
After 3 years of S4F education children are caught up to their grade level and transition to public school.

3532

Coming to Freedom
It’s 3 years from start to freedom, V4F frontline advocates work in the village everyday to provide on the ground guidance and training.

7060

People Freed
The joy and the passion of freedom is contagious. Every person freed today means their future generations will own their destiny.

There are more slaves today than at any other time in human history.

The future is freedom.

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53

Schools Built

3241

Children Educated

3532

Coming to Freedom

7060

People Freed

Photo Credit: Lisa Kristine

the issue

Photo Credit: Miranda Turin

It is hard to believe, but slavery today is at epidemic proportions, despite being illegal in every country. These are real slaves by the harshest definitions: people forced to work under threat of violence, without pay, and unable to escape. They are trapped in brothels, factories, mines, farm fields, and restaurants. More than half are women and children. Despite real progress, slavery often remains hidden and on the margins of public concern.

Slavery doesn’t look much different today than it has throughout history. In northern India, entire villages are enslaved—men, women, and children are literally controlled by another human being and held against their will, generation after generation. They are caught in a cycle of debt bondage slavery, and it's because they are not educated.

Photo Credit: Miranda Turin

slavery is real

Stories of slavery

Most of these slaves don’t understand that they are enslaved. They believe they “owe a debt” to their slaveholder, who may have given their great-grandfather money for medicine or a sewing machine. These villagers, who neither read nor write and do not know their legal rights, are easily manipulated into thinking they must continue working for a landowner who never pays them and whom they can never repay. And it’s illegal.

"In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Spiritual Leader of the Tibetan People

Photo Credit: Peggy Callahan
Photo Credit: Miranda Turin

People in some of the poorest parts of the world have literally become "disposable."

DR. KEVIN BALES
Anti-slavery Activist
Voices4Freedom Advisory Board Member

slavery still exists

But why?

As shocking as it sounds, there are more slaves today than at any time in human history. Dr. Kevin Bales, the world’s foremost authority on modern-day slavery (and our good friend and advisor) calculates that there are 50 million men, women, and children enslaved today. The reason? A lethal combination of over-population, poverty and corruption. This makes human life "cheaper" than ever before.

Slavery still haunts us for many reasons, including:

  • Refusal or lack of resources for governments to enforce laws against slavery that already exist;
  • Ignorance and cultural bias;
  • People not being able to recognize slavery when they see it; and
  • People who are enslaved often don’t know they are being victimized or that their enslavement is illegal.
Photo Credit: Tawney Bevacqua

is there any hope?

Education is our answer.

The good news is that there is no better time than now to make a real lasting change: no government officially sanctions slavery; no major economic engine or business is dependent on slavery; there is no one in the civilized world that would dare advocate for slavery; we know that education and empowerment can free people from slavery.

The foundation for freedom around the world is set, but now it is time to act. We believe the answer to true and lasting freedom lies in education and empowerment. Our Schools4Freedom program brings entire villages to freedom. Forever. And it all starts with one school.

You can help end slavery.

freedom

MAKE A DONATION

Give where it’s needed most. Your donation will help eradicate slavery in our lifetime.

DONATE NOW

FUNDRAISE 4 FREEDOM

You can do anything to help raise any amount of money to end slavery—do it on your own or start a team. The possibilities are endless!

START A CAMPAIGN

FREE A VILLAGE

Your gift alone will help build a School4Freedom and bring an entire village to freedom. Forever.

SPONSOR A SCHOOL
Photo Credit: Miranda Turin

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