Kung Fu for girls at risk to human trafficking

11-year-old Shama (name changed) is enthusiastic in her attendance at the Apne Aap Dojo in Forbesgunj, where she is one in a class of 50 young girls learning the Martial Art of Karate.

 One of the things Shama(name changed) loves doing is putting on the clean white Karate Uniform, before her practice. She says it makes her feel as graceful and light as a ‘swan’. Her mother is 27 year old Purnima (name changed) who was sold into prostitution when she was Shama’s (name changed) age. Purnima (name changed) is ill with multiple diseases, that were inflicted on her in the sex trade.

 Apne Aap’s dojo and community center have become Shama’s day care center, safe haven, and also a place where she gets the help with homework and acquires leadership skills through karate and kung fu. She gets 2 full meals and also care from the Apne Aap staff, when she is not at home tending to her mother. She also gets her 7 year old brother Raju (name changed) who loves to join in all the activities with his sister

 Since the start of this project, we have successfully ensured these young girls, aged 8-14, get the opportunities for a normal childhood, in the karate program at Apne Aap’s Ant Kanya Center in Forbesganj, Bihar.

 It is our aim to provide these adolescent young girls from vulnerable de-notified Nat Community who live in the Red light district a safe space to be themselves and grow physically and mentally in a healthy manner. We provide them with uniforms, food and a convivial atmosphere where they can explore their relationship with their changing bodies as well as self growth.

 It is through the support of donors like you that Apne Aap can continue to grow the program and provide Shama (name changed) and her friends with the space to grow and thus make an impact on the local community.

*The names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals