Kaira

Kaira couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t exploited, degraded, and abused.

She was just 12 years old when she was sold to a pimp in Southern Asia and forced to work as a prostitute and dancer in a filthy local club. Her body ogled at, used — and discarded — again and again.

This continued for years, and it left Kaira feeling empty, alone, and hopeless. She missed her family, but every moment of her life was controlled by others, and she had witnessed what happened to other girls who tried to run away. Kaira began to believe that exploitation was all her future would hold. 

Then, a worldwide pandemic hit. After five long years — years that felt like an eternity — Kaira was suddenly granted temporary freedom. The government mandated workers go back to their home villages. Kaira had to go home! Brothel owners couldn't hold them against their will anymore. No customers were risking visiting the red light districts, and with no money flowing into the pockets of pimps and madams, women and children were set free. 

Kaira felt hope for the first time in years. Once she arrived home, she heard from other local villagers about Project Rescue’s Forever Free program and the new job training being provided, especially for those escaping exploitation.

Immediately, Kaira knew she had to be a part of this program. Formal training could get her work and keep her out of the hands of traffickers. 

Kaira wasted no time and set out to speak with the program directors. She approached the leadership of Project Rescue's local partner and shared the horrors she’d experienced. Kaira had no idea how many women had faced the same past she had, and while Kaira was saddened by how widespread she had learned trafficking to be, she felt some relief that she wasn't alone.

On top of that, she was introduced to women who had been with the program for many years, and in this woman's eyes, Kaira saw a joy she wanted to reflect just as this woman did. If it was possible for her, then surely Kaira too, could find peace and joy. 

She asked our team if she could enter the program. Our team’s response: “Of course!” Kaira naturally gravitated toward the sewing training. Though the training days were long — Kaira stayed late, working on her sewing machine. She loved the work and loved being able to create with her hands and form something beautiful from simple cloth. She also attended devotions and began counseling and spent time with other women in our partners care. Our team shared,

“Hope is beginning to enter her eyes ...”

Months later, Kaira graduated from the vocational training program and said goodbye to the team and the women she had become so close with during her time with Project Rescue. She and her family have moved to another city where she has a son and is now settled permanently.

Kaira works with textiles to support herself and her family. She is caring for her ill mother and comes back to the center for celebrations and to meet up with the team and women who introduced her to God and changed her life forever.