Interacting with survivors of human trafficking

The term ‘human trafficking’ may seem faraway and remote to most of us—something that happens to other people in distant places. However, it is sobering to note that India is one of the hotbeds of human trafficking in the world. Thousands of people, mainly women and children, lose their freedom and their futures every year because they are snatched away from their near and dear ones and thrust into terrifying and inhuman conditions. A large number of trafficking victims end up in prostitution.

Recently, Mumbai Smiles started a new preschool for the children of human trafficking victims from Ghatkopar’s red-light area. On 21 September 2018, we held a meeting with the parents of the preschool students in order to interact with them. The interaction helped us to become familiar with their stories and how their lives were changed because of human trafficking. The parents also spoke about the psychological problems that many of them are facing because of their trauma. This session was a part of our philosophy of understanding the community that we are working for in order to work with them more effectively.