Getting girls off the street is a project designed to give street women a fresh start, particualrly those who have have been caught up in the vicious cycle of the sex trade.
One challenge that the 'Girls Off The Street' project focuses on is providing long term solutions for women to escape the traps of poverty and sexwork in Dhaka, Bangladesh. One way we seek to do this is to give women an opportunity to learn literacy skills in order to increase employment opportunities. The problem is that with no regular income the women we're seeking to assist have little time or energy left to attend classes because all their time is spent trying to survive.
It is for this reason that we began a year long literacy program for mothers that provides educational and material needs. During this course food and a daily payment is provided to enable the women to support themselves and their children. At the same time they receive skills training and work as well as health, parenting and values teaching. Once they finish the course our staff help them find employment. There are currently 19 mothers and one teenage girl doing the course, and we're excited about the opportunities that will open up for these women upon completion of the course.
This SIMaid project in Bangladesh targets street women and those involved in the sex trade in Dhaka city. The project includes a drop-in-centre, training in life skills and character development, and counselling for those who suffering from traumatic experiences. Opportunities for vocational training are also offered. The project provides a safe haven for these women, including sanitary washing facilities, and affirming educational opportunities, like literacy, in order to build their confidence and hope for the future.
SIMaid 'Girls Off The Street' project No. 98336 PDF here