Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
Why are the kids in slavery?
As with much of Africa, there is a great deal of poverty in Ghana. Unfortunately, this leaves many mothers in an unimaginable position: sell their children to someone who can take better care of them or watch them starve to death. Most of the mothers are told their sold children will be given food, housing, and an education. Instead, the kids are often taken to the lake where they become child slaves.
How are they rescued?
This is probably the question we are asked most often. In short, there is a native Ghanian named George Achibra who works there on behalf of the Touch A Life Foundation. He spends nearly every day on the lake–establishing relationships with the men who own the children, helping them understand why slavery is unacceptable, and educating them on the ways they can subsist without the use of the children. Eventually, after many months or even years of relationship building and persuasion, many of the men are willing to release the children. In exchange, they are given new nets, small boats, or an outboard motor. This allows them to continue fishing without use of the children.
What happens after they are rescued?
Once the kids are rescued, their families are contacted and made aware of the conditions in which the children were found. The parents are offered the chance to take their children back but only if they agree to sign a social contract stating that they will never sell their children again. Ghanian social workers will follow up with these families to ensure the well being of the children. About 95% of the time, the parents still cannot afford to provide for their children, so they agree to send them to live at an orphanage where they will have adequate housing, food and clothing, and will receive an education. There are many children whose families cannot be found, making them true orphans.
How will my money be used?
Your donation will assist us in helping Touch A Life reach a primary goal of building a new home for rescued children in Tema, Ghana. It directly connects you to improving the lives of kids and putting Touch A Life in a position to rescue more children. All Mercy Project fundraising is done by volunteer staff.
Is the Mercy Project a 501c3 non-profit organization?
The Mercy Project is working underneath the Touch A Life Foundation which is a 501c3 organization. Yearly contribution statements will be mailed out for tax purposes, and all donations are tax deductible.