While volunteering as a tsunami-relief volunteer in 2005, Alia Whitney-Johnson witnessed the horrific number of young girls who after having gone through rape and incest found it hard to rebuild their lives again. Some of these girls had been forced out of their own homes because their families were ashamed to keep them. Young and helpless, vulnerable at the hands of those who were meant to protect you, where would you go? What would you do with your life?
FACT: Gender-based violence, especially rape and incest are widespread globally. Although, there is lot of research on this issue and a lot of publicity has been given internationally, this problem has not been properly solved. The main reason for this issue is the traditional tendency (especially in the East) to consider women as subordinate to men.These ugly practices have not received the necessary attention by legislation or research. Hence, the problem is widespread and women are subject to violence daily.
Many females are raped by their own family members and they have to suffer the trauma of sexual abuse silently to protect the so-called ‘family honor’ and always live in fear. – Rape and incest as forms of violence – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Emerge Global is a charity which helps girls who have survived abuse and spoken out about it. They help young girls rebuild their lives, by helping them to heal while teaching them critical life and business skills through jewelry design.
Beads-to-Business teaches girls to make high-quality jewelry. Emerge also the foundations of setting up and managing their own small businesses. The curriculum tackles concepts such as budgeting, inventory management, product development, marketing, branding, and financing.
Life Skills program teaches girls about goal setting, reproductive health, job readiness, money management, communication, crisis management, and community engagement. The curriculum includes outside speakers, demonstrative activities, and journal entries.
Mentorship During Emerge Mentorship sessions, girls are paired with adult role models who cover a curriculum on topics such as body image, childcare, mental health, social responsibility, goal-setting and more.
Reintegration Emerge supports girls as they transition from the shelters to society. They also provide general support and check-ins, and connecting them to a variety of local resources and service providers.
Emerge Global is a place where young children and adults get a second chance at life. They receive healing, and opportunities to start over again. They are equipped to take on life and be self-sustained.
You can be a part of this process by donating towards this cause. To give towards Emerge Global you can give towards the general fund where the donations will be used in the areas they need it the most, or you can donate to sponsor the opportunity to cover a girl’s participation in the Beads-to-Business and Life Skills programs for a calendar year.
For all donations go here. You can shop for products made by Emerge Global here. If you want to be an ambassador for Emerge Global, this is how you can get involved by going here You can also draw your donation cheque to “EMERGE LANKA FOUNDATION” crossed “Account Payee” and Register Post to: Emerge Lanka Foundation 9/2, 1/1, Edmonton Road Kirulapone, Colombo 6.
For any other information, contact emergelanka@emergeglobal.org or call 0112 512 872.
"Each bead represents an emotion;
They string them in
Despite life's forced commotion.
A flow of monochromatic shades;
will take time to colour-up
confidence will rise while pain fades."– Emerge Global
(All images courtesy Emerge Global)
