US & International
AustraliaMany of the children we rescue in East and Southern Africa have been driven to exploitation to survive. The layered hardships they face, such as child-run families, extreme poverty and lack of access to education, do not evaporate when they’re rescued. That’s why Destiny Rescue’s (an organisation whose rescue work in Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia and the Philippines Child Rescue helps fund) programs in these regions provide customised care for survivors after rescue.
By walking with a child and her family and providing targeted services after rescue, Destiny Rescue can specifically address the vulnerabilities that led to her exploitation and provide opportunities to help her stay free. During the pilot phase alone, Destiny Rescue’s program in Zimbabwe served over 100 children, and the impact can be seen in survivors’ confident smiles and heard in their words.
The difference a meal can make
Food packs help relieve the financial burden of paying for food while the survivor or her caregiver completes Destiny Rescue’s economic empowerment program.
“I am grateful that there is food to eat when I get home from school!”
— Anele, 13-year-old survivor
“Our situation at home is very difficult, and I am so grateful for the food parcels.”
— Chipiwa, 16-year-old survivor
Taking the (financial) reigns
Apprenticeships are another crucial aspect of Destiny Rescue’s Community Care program. These apprenticeships not only give the survivor a stable source of income but strengthen the economy and connect local business owners with motivated new workers. 16-year-old Nyahsa, for example, is not only providing for herself but impressing those around her:
“I am making money every day and can now support myself. I can now buy nice clothes!”
— Nyasha, 16-year-old survivor
“If you give me another child like Nyasha, I will be very happy!”
— Nyasha’s employer, a salon owner
“She has grown and matured so much. She is an excellent hairdresser and very confident with her clients. She is now building up her own clientele. We are so proud of her.”
— Nyasha’s caseworker
Long-term, multidimensional growth
Destiny Rescue’s caseworkers have the pleasure of watching survivors grow through their healing journey. Notice how 17-year old Ruva’s gratitude changes over the course of a few months:
“We are so grateful for the food parcels. They help us so much.”
— Ruva, three months after rescue
“My life has changed; every day, I make some money to take home.”
— Ruva, six months after rescue
That’s the type of change caseworkers love to see when they visit these brave girls. Watching as they transition from surviving to thriving is an unspeakable joy.
And the kids’ reaction to seeing their caseworkers is a testament to how well these compassionate Freedom Fighters shower love on those in their care.
“I love it when you visit me!”
— Maita, 17-year-old survivor, upon seeing her caseworker during a follow-up visit
When kids are ushered into a new life of freedom, it’s more than just removing them from abuse. It’s also building.
Building lifelong relationships. Building strong, resilient souls capable of not just driving forward in life but of forgiving those who wronged them. Building communities where the generational cycle of exploitation is gradually being dissolved.
God is doing some amazing work in Zimbabwe. We hope you’ll be a part of rescue work like this by completing the form below.
Donate with Confidence
Child Rescue Charitable Trust and Child Rescue Charitable Aid Trust are registered New Zealand charities. Separate returns for each charity are filed each year with Charities Services which is a NZ Government organisation under the Department of Internal Affairs.
Annual reports to Charities Services can be viewed here
Please note: Annual Reports on this website will refer to ‘Destiny Rescue’ – Child Rescue’s name in New Zealand until August 2017.