A fund to rescue children from slavery in Nepal

I wanted to share some powerful news with you.  In a coordinated effort involving local government, police and child protection organisations, we recently rescued five boys aged 12-16 from hazardous child labour situations. They are now receiving the care and support they desperately needed.

The reality of their working lives

The children were found in dangerous conditions that no child should endure:

• Two were bike workshop workers exposed to sharp tools and toxic chemicals with no safety protection
• One was a restaurant worker operating in extremely poor hygiene conditions
• Two were bus helpers carrying heavy loads and working in chaotic traffic for up to 17 hours daily

One rescued boy described his gruelling schedule: "While working, I had to wake up at 4.30am, reach the destination by 5.30 and work until 10pm."

The bus helpers worked these marathon shifts for basic meals and just £2 on good days.

First night of freedom

The contrast couldn't be greater. After arriving at the transit home, the children were given clean clothes, warm showers and a proper dinner.

The next morning brought a moment that captures everything: "Today I slept till nine in the morning...I did not have to worry about the work," shared one boy, experiencing what childhood sleep should feel like.

Dreams interrupted, now restored

These weren't children who had given up on education. One boy said: "I study in Grade 10 and have just finished my final exams. It's been about a month since I started working in a motorbike garage. Now, I want to go back and complete my Class 10."

All five came from economically disadvantaged families, working to help support their households – a burden no child should carry alone.

The road ahead

The children are now receiving:

• Individual counselling and psychological support
• Medical examinations and treatment
• Family reunification efforts
• Educational reintegration planning
• Recreational activities including sports, arts and crafts and group activities

One child has already been safely reunited with family members who provided proper documentation for his return. We will continue to monitor them. 

Why this matters

This rescue highlights both the harsh reality of child labour and the power of coordinated action. When communities, government and organisations work together, children get their childhoods back.

These five boys now have the chance to sleep properly, complete their education and simply be children again.

This operation was part of our ongoing efforts to establish 'child friendly local governments', ensuring children's rights, safety and well-being are prioritised in local policies and services.

None of this vital work would be possible without the generous support of donors like you. Your contributions directly enable us to provide safe shelter, counselling, medical care and educational support to vulnerable children. When you give, you're not just making a donation – you're giving a child back their childhood and their future.

Thank you for making rescues like this possible.

With gratitude