freed
Baraila
84
Villagers freed from slavery
33
Children educated
56
Vulnerable people empowered to avoid the slavery trap
426
Government programs accessed by the community
The Story of Baraila
Village Location:
Northeast India
Came to Freedom:
December 2017
Sponsors:
L. Sutton, P. Callahan
The Path to Freedom
01
seeing the light
new life
Mahendra was forced to work at the brick kiln and at the slave owner’s home. He worked him 12-13 hours a day and gave him Rs300 (about $4) a week for food for him, his wife, and his two children. When the frontline team shared a BBC documentary in the village about debt bondage slavery, Mahendra realized that was his situation and he and his wife shared their story with the frontline team. They were supported in the rescue, their 2 children were enrolled in school, and the family was finally freed from slavery. Mahendra now drives a tractor and is employed by a building material shop.
02
03
saving money
All of Baralia is now free from slavery and the adults have found of variety of income generation. 4 survivors were given rickshaw trolleys for work through a government scheme, the women were linked with a micro-finance program and are making and selling jute bags in the market, and they all know the protocol for receiving payments at the end of a day-wage labor job. The children have transitioned to government school and they are leading many of the school activities. The parents know that getting the children to school will keep them out of slavery for generations to come.
Children of Baraila in government school with some of their classmates, including children in different castes.
“I used to work at a brick kiln earlier, but now I read in government school. I am very happy now. Thank you Schools4Freedom for giving us a new life.
— Sudha
Baraila with their government documents.
“I am the president of Women's Self Help Group formed at Baraila community. We are aware of our rights. We are being benefitted of the government schemes. I am very happy now.”
— Meena
Schools4Freedom students enjoying their midday meal.
Schools4Freedom students heading to school with their teacher.
village sponsors
Lloyd Sutton and Peggy Callahan
"Watching the adult villagers and their children morph from downtrodden face and attitudes, to smiles and self-assurance, is one of the most amazing things to see in the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone interesting in helping the world be a better place while helping themselves become a better person."
- Lloyd Sutton
