When we heard the news of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal, our first thoughts and prayers were with the children we once helped through a project called ‘Asha Nepal’.
It was under our old name of Jubilee Action that we funded this project and we couldn’t bear to imagine the trauma these children now faced if they had managed to survive the disaster.
Miraculously, we are able to report that all the children and staff at the Asha Nepal project have survived, though some have lost family members and homes. They’re all living in fear of the next time the ground starts shaking beneath their feet.
Although we now focus our efforts elsewhere in the world, we can’t stand by and do nothing when our old friends are in dire and urgent need.
Food and shelter are in short supply, and the risk of disease increases with every day that passes. But that’s not the only danger facing the people of Nepal.
Horrifyingly, there are men who see an opportunity amidst this crisis. Human traffickers are converging upon the crumbling towns and villages in the aftermath of the earthquake to prey upon vulnerable women and children.
The Asha Nepal project supports mothers and their young children who have been, or who are at risk of being, trafficked into prostitution – often over the border into India. It is estimated that this is the tragic fate of 12,000 – 15,000 Nepalese women a year. This number looks certain to rise after the earthquake as desperate women are displaced and become easy prey for the traffickers.
Make no mistake, these women are destined to a life of horrific abuse in the makeshift brothels where they end up.
And the inevitable fate awaiting their young daughters is simply unthinkable.
Right now there are women and children living in the rubble of Nepal’s streets. Left cold and hungry by a natural disaster. Preyed upon by evil people who seek to exploit them in the most abhorrent way imaginable.
They are in urgent need of protection.
The vital work of the Asha Nepal team is needed now more than ever before – which is why we are calling on your help.
Every penny you generously donate through this urgent appeal will be passed on to the Asha Nepal project so that they can protect vulnerable women and children in their hour of need.
Anything you can give will be very much appreciated by them and we thank you in advance for your generosity.
At times of adversity, you discover your true friends. With your help, we can extend the hand of friendship to some women and children who desperately need it.
Thank you.
