By the time we worked our way around the lake it became obvious that the problem was not getting the trafficked kids off the lake - George is building great relationships with the masters and village chiefs and it is obvious that they are ready to release dozens, if not hundreds of young boys and girls over the coming months.
The pressing issue is what to do with all of these hurting little guys!
Long term there are several options, all of which we are exploring. For some of the children, going home is the best option. To do this, however, they need time in a rehabilitation center, getting treated for their physical and emotional issues. At the same time a team will be needed to go to the family, identify if they are a candidate for reunification, then come up with a plan to make sure the children are successfully reunited. A more detailed plan is the topic for another day.
Other children, however, will not be able to be reunited. Either they are true orphans or the family simply is not stable enough to take the child back in their home. For these children we are working on other options.
Whatever the long-term solution, one thing is clear – all of these kids need a place to go the first night the come off the lake.
Because of that Touch A Life has teamed up with George Achibra and his team to build a safe house for these kids. Eventually this center, the Village of Life, could turn into a large complex complete with school and long-term rehabilitation center.
But on this trip I was excited to go visit the 16-acre parcel and see that the first home is nearing completion. In fact yesterday we wired the funds to George to finish the home and get ready for the next round of kids. We also told George that we had support to go rescue 10 kids, including Emmanuel, Moses, Kwasi, and the several other boys we had seen on this trip.
One of the ironic things is that from this peaceful piece of land in Kete-Krachi you can see Lake Volta in the distance.
May this home be filled with healing, joy, and hope for a better life.
Tomorrow – final thoughts on my trip to Lake Volta.
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