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.