Hagar Aftercare Creates Leaders
By Jane Tafel, Executive Director of Hagar USA
I'm writing from Cambodia where I have been making Hagar site visits for the past two weeks. Regarding our Aftercare project, I have some very encouraging news to share. Over the past nine months, Hagar has developed a leadership program for girls who have survived sex trafficking and rape at alarmingly young ages. A core group of seven girls was elected by their peers. These young girls have been trained in communication skills, leadership. problem solving, and conflict resolution. Now, when disputes arise among the other girls served by Hagar Aftercare, the concerns are first heard by the Child Committee. They are effectively facilitating resolutions in many cases. When a resolution can not be reached, then the concern is carried to Hagar staff.
Even more exciting, these girls have been trained to teach workshops. They have been working with Hagar's Activities Director to design ways to convey lessons on self-esteem, problem-solving, respecting others, etc. They lead a Saturday workshop with the 25 girls in residence every week. Says Sue Hanna, Hagar Cambodia Residential Services Manager, "watching these girls lead lessons they have written themselves can reduce you to tears." We are finding this very encouraging work.
Posted July 1, 2010
