Contact: Robby Brumberg, Hopegivers International, 706-341-5303, rbrumberg@hopegivers.org
INDIA, Jan. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Georgia-based humanitarian organization Hopegivers International plans to rescue 300 children of prostitutes in south India. The effort to take in these children came after a large group of prostitutes – also known as commercial sex workers – asked India-based representatives of the organization to take their children to be raised in Hopegivers-sponsored Hope Homes, which are orphanages providing food, clothing, shelter, and education for needy, orphaned, or abandoned children.
"When the women saw that we genuinely cared and wanted to help them, they were eager for us to rescue their children – 34 of whom are HIV positive," said Dr. Samuel Thomas, president of Hopegivers. "All the women we met were distraught over seeing their children mocked and mistreated. They expressed a desire for their children to grow up in a nurturing environment and to receive an education."
The mothers indicated they wanted to protect their children from the poverty, exploitation, and violence that is inherent in the prostitution industry. Hopegivers wants to provide the women with a nurse, teacher, and counselor, as well as job training. Some of the women have expressed interest in opening up a kitchen, or small flower shop, and some want to become tailors.
"These women are asking for our help – in order to not only change their lives, but future generations to come. We want to help these women change their lives," said Dr. Thomas.
Hopegivers' long-term goal is to start a community center that includes a school and orphanage for the children – and a job training center where the mothers of these children could learn to support themselves. Hopegivers believes if it could support these women for five years, it would greatly reduce the commercial sex worker and human trafficking problem in the local district.
About Hopegivers International
Founded by Dr. M.A. Thomas, Hopegivers International (www.hopegivers.org) provides help for today and hope for eternity through strategic ministry initiatives that rescue orphaned children, assist the needy and oppressed, and empower the work of the gospel. The faith-based, 501(c) (3) nonprofit humanitarian agency is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, and supports outreaches in India, Haiti, and Malawi.
