Local organisation supports victims of human trafficking and those abused
They also protect children by setting in motion legal action against those who threaten them and encourage others to report child abusers, exploiters, and drug dealers.
Human trafficking is a growing concern in South Africa and Khanyisile Motsa, founder of Home of Hope for Girls, is stepping up to help by offering victims a second chance to build their lives after such trauma.
Mam’ Khanyi, affectionately known to the girls and the community she serves, has been advocating for and rehabilitating the child survivors of trafficking and abuse. For over 20 years she has been offering hope to human trafficking victims.
Mam’ Khanyi has received recognition from two notable institutions, Global Citizen and the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute, for the work she does.
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“I do this work not for recognition but for the young girls who need that second chance to know they can achieve their dreams.
“We offer them the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can be and offer support for them to reach their full potential,” said Mam’ Khanyi.
Home of Hope for Girls offers a safe residence to children and teens who have survived abusive situations, predominantly linked to child sex trafficking. They have two homes in the suburbs of Johannesburg, in addition to an outreach centre in the Hillbrow/Berea area.
In total, there are 75 girls in full-time care and another 150 children are supported by the outreach programme. The home works closely with SAPS and other welfare organisations to identify abuse and remove children from exploitative situations.
Mam’ Khanyi said their vision is to end child trafficking in South Africa and the culture of exploitation and violence that robs children of their future and to restore safety, dignity and opportunity to those who have survived this abuse.
The home has had considerable success in identifying and rehabilitating vulnerable children by creating a safe home environment and access to educational resources. Promoting the importance of education is an important part of what the home does.
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They help neglected children enrol in school and obtain school uniforms and textbooks.
The home recognises that educating girls goes a long way toward their independence and success in adulthood.
The home also works to reunite trafficked children with responsible family members.
They also protect children by setting in motion legal action against those who threaten them and encourage others to report child abusers, exploiters, and drug dealers.
The Home of Hope for Girls was established as a response to the increased incidence of child trafficking in South Africa. “Gender-based violence and child trafficking are destroying lives and communities.
At Home of Hope for Girls, we help restore dignity to survivors, we understand that communities must be educated.
“We must work together to overcome this. Women and girls deserve to live without fear and live up to their full potential,” said Mam’ Khanyi.
The home relies entirely on donations from volunteer fundraisers, individuals and companies. Like many homes, the lack of funding is an ongoing challenge. Cash donations and any form of donations are welcome.
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The types of goods the home needs include bread, meat and tinned goods, toiletries and sanitary care items, school stationery, school uniform essentials such as shoes, and basic medical products and books to help build their library.
Those interested in getting in touch with the home can contact them on 081 336 7775 or email infohomehopeoffice01@gmail.com or info@hopehome.org.za
