A fund to rescue children from slavery in Nepal

We have a great story to share with you! We rescued 14-year-old Ishwar* from a factory back in January and this week he was happily reunited with his family!

Home life was very difficult for Ishwar. His father was an alcoholic, and regularly beat up the other members of his family. Ishwar’s mother joined forces with some of the other villagers and managed to get Ishwar’s father admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre for six months.

After this, Ishwar and his mother came to Kathmandu. Ishwar’s uncle had a factory that made iron grills for windows and promised to enrol Ishwar in school. But that never happened. Instead, Ishwar worked from 9am to 6pm without any training or safety equipment.

When we found Ishwar he was terrified. He was afraid of the police and didn’t want to say anything. Gently we won his trust and he told us his story. We made contact with Ishwar’s mother but she said she couldn’t afford to feed her son or pay for school expenses. We decided that it was best to keep Ishwar with us in the short term, and made sure that they kept in touch.

When Ishwar’s father came out of rehab, he was a different man. He went back to live with his wife again, and we observed the family situation for three months. Finally everyone agreed that Ishwar and his family were ready to be reunited, and in the presence of ward representatives, the papers were signed.

Ishwar is now living with his father and mother in a room on the outskirts of Kathmandu. His father is working, his mother is a housewife and Ishwar is enrolled at a local school. We are in regular contact and will continue to support the family as much as is needed. When he completes his education, Ishwar will join our youth training programme.

Ishwar’s father says, “I am very happy today to see my child after a period of about one year. In the past, I did mistakes but from now onwards I will not repeat such things in my life. Thank you for the care and support provided to my son.”

Ishwar’s mother says, “I will have good sleep today, as my family members are together again. Thank you to all the members of the organisation.”

Ishwar says, “I am happy and sad too. I am happy because now I can live with my both parents and also can go to my sister’s house. And sad because I have made very close friends at the safe home and I will miss the love and care of uncle and aunt.”

It is thanks to supporters like you that we were able to rescue Ishwar, care for him and safely bring this family back together. What a happy ending!

*Whilst Ishwar's name has been changed, the family have given full permission for us to share their story.