Ashanti

ASHANTI AND HER BROTHER, MONTE, HAD NEVER ATTENDED SCHOOL. 

The money their parents earned from the kiosk was enough to pay their rent and feed the family, so school fees were out of the question. 

But when a free after-school tutoring program, sponsored by Project Rescue, opened in the community, their mama ensured her children could attend. 

In addition to the tutoring, the school promised to provide a new pair of shoes and a warm meal each day.

“I wish I could always live at the school,” Ashanti told her brother. “That way, Uncle wouldn’t hurt me anymore.” 

Ashanti knew her parents loved her. But she began to resent their unwillingness to stand up to Uncle.

His attacks were becoming more frequent, and with each passing day, she felt increasingly helpless and alone.

One day, when the tutoring session had ended and it was time to go home, Ashanti tugged on her teacher's blouse. 

“Can we stay longer?” she asked the Project Rescue caregiver. “My uncle is waiting for me … and I hate him,” Ashanti blurted. 

“Why do you hate your uncle?”

“Because he puts his hand over my mouth and touches me — he hurts me.”

“Do your parents know what he is doing to you?” her teacher asked carefully.

Ashanti could only nod yes as tears fell down her cheeks. Her teacher pulled the child to her chest and held her tight.

No child deserves to be treated this way, and our team members would help take care of Ashanti’s home situation. 

Heavy monsoon rains sent market vendors home early one afternoon. Ashanti’s parents folded up their kiosk and headed to Project Rescue to collect their children. Ashanti’s teacher greeted the parents at the door and asked if she could chat privately.

“It has come to my attention that Ashanti’s uncle has been abusing her,” Latika said.

Ashanti’s father grinned. “Our daughter has an active imagination.”

“Her uncle has a problem with alcohol, but what she says is not true,” her mother added.

“I understand that you feel you must protect him, but this cannot continue,” she said firmly. “If it does, I will report him to the authorities.”

“You have no right,” Ashanti’s father snapped.

“I have a duty under the law … and to your daughter.” 

Ashanti’s mother remained seated, fighting to hide the shame that threatened to monopolize her face.

“Our children will not return to this place!” the father shouted.

“They will,” the teacher replied, “or you and Ashanti’s uncle will be visited by the police.”

Ashanti’s father clenched his teeth. “But there is another way,” she offered. “Let us work with you to protect your children.”

“How can you help?” Mama asked.

“When you are at work and not home, let your children stay here at Project Rescue,” she replied. 

The parents looked at one another as if cautiously considering her proposal. 

Finally, they nodded their approval. “We are not admitting that what you say is true, but the school has been good for our children,” the father said in a much calmer voice.

“We will let them stay,” Mama announced.

“Thank you — you won’t be sorry,” the teacher said, grinning widely. “We promise to take good care of Ashanti and Monte.” Hurriedly, the parents departed. The children are now protected from abuse, and Ashanti still loves school.

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