Monday, May 24, 2010
it happens in the US too
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2010/05/21/exclusive-the-hero-behind-the-metafilter-human-trafficking-rescue-speaks-out.aspx
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
hanging out with sex workers
the past two Tuesdays I have been going to this organization, CHANGE Nepal. Its an NGO that focuses on domestic violence and sex workers. They have a drop in center in the middle of Thamel, an area where most of the dance bars are.
I have been teaching english for two hours at the drop in center. A drop in center is a safe haven like community for the girls. They can come for psychosocial counseling, play games, hang out, and on Tuesdays learn English. It has been one of the most rewarding times that I have had in Nepal. Abiding by the policy you are not allowed to ask specific details about their work or life, so all I know is that there are girls "working in Thamel" as they tell me from ages 14-26.
The first time 4 girls showed up and the second Tuesday about 9 girls showed up. I wish I were doing this from the beginning, but to be with these girls for two hours once a week interacting with them like they are females, not thinking of them as prostitutes, has really opened my eyes. People are people despite what they have been obligated, forced, chosen to be a part of. Everyone has a heart, instead of looking down upon them why not help them, bring them up and give them hope, options. Providing these english lessons is suppose to encourage and make these girls aware there are other options aside from working in a dance bar.
I have been teaching english for two hours at the drop in center. A drop in center is a safe haven like community for the girls. They can come for psychosocial counseling, play games, hang out, and on Tuesdays learn English. It has been one of the most rewarding times that I have had in Nepal. Abiding by the policy you are not allowed to ask specific details about their work or life, so all I know is that there are girls "working in Thamel" as they tell me from ages 14-26.
The first time 4 girls showed up and the second Tuesday about 9 girls showed up. I wish I were doing this from the beginning, but to be with these girls for two hours once a week interacting with them like they are females, not thinking of them as prostitutes, has really opened my eyes. People are people despite what they have been obligated, forced, chosen to be a part of. Everyone has a heart, instead of looking down upon them why not help them, bring them up and give them hope, options. Providing these english lessons is suppose to encourage and make these girls aware there are other options aside from working in a dance bar.
it happens in america just as well
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-rather/pornland-oregon-child-pro_b_580035.html
Monday, May 3, 2010
learning a little about corruption
So today is the third day of the "indefinite" strike the Maoists have put on. Im getting a little antsy, thinking about fleeing to India or somewhere since it doesnt look like this strike is ending anytime soon.
Thankfully, between the hours of 6-8pm shops are allowed to open, but the rest of the day everything is closed up and the streets are only filled with people slowly meandering down the road, looking extremely bored!
Two good things from this...kathmandu air has become so clean and breathable! and there has been electricity for the majority of the days!
Before this nonsense happened, I went to Kimtang with FPAN (Family Planning Nepal) for another health camp. Though it wasnt as memorable as my first health camp experience (didnt interview anyone), it was a wonderful experience. Kimtang is 6 hours away by bus, in the mountains. It was actually cold! Its a buddhist, Tamong caste village. There were many babies and mothers that came this time and we were able to post up simple trafficking awareness posters that I believe made a few unaware aware!
Last Tuesday I met with the director at Change Nepal. It is an NGO for sex workers and domestic violence. Today was supposed to be my first day, but since the strike they are not opened, that I teach english/ hang out with sex workers. Im really excited! I have not really thought about this target group, but now that I am aware how some of these trafficked girls are trapped in the sex worker industry and have no way out, I have become greatly interested.
Hopefully this unreasonable, frustrating strike ends soon so I can start doing things with life again. especially since I only have one month and two days until I return to the states!
Thankfully, between the hours of 6-8pm shops are allowed to open, but the rest of the day everything is closed up and the streets are only filled with people slowly meandering down the road, looking extremely bored!
Two good things from this...kathmandu air has become so clean and breathable! and there has been electricity for the majority of the days!
Before this nonsense happened, I went to Kimtang with FPAN (Family Planning Nepal) for another health camp. Though it wasnt as memorable as my first health camp experience (didnt interview anyone), it was a wonderful experience. Kimtang is 6 hours away by bus, in the mountains. It was actually cold! Its a buddhist, Tamong caste village. There were many babies and mothers that came this time and we were able to post up simple trafficking awareness posters that I believe made a few unaware aware!
Last Tuesday I met with the director at Change Nepal. It is an NGO for sex workers and domestic violence. Today was supposed to be my first day, but since the strike they are not opened, that I teach english/ hang out with sex workers. Im really excited! I have not really thought about this target group, but now that I am aware how some of these trafficked girls are trapped in the sex worker industry and have no way out, I have become greatly interested.
Hopefully this unreasonable, frustrating strike ends soon so I can start doing things with life again. especially since I only have one month and two days until I return to the states!
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