Development in Madagascar

Prevention of Teenage Brides being Trafficking in China

Sometime in late 2013 or 2014, Sabine, a friend of Manitra, an OM Madagascar team member, was sharing with Manitra a suspicious conversation she had with her nieces. 

These two girls and two other friends were making plans to go to China. Sabine was trying to get more information but could only determine that they were planning on going there to work. 

What made her worried was that they were still teens with only basic education, and she wondered what kind of job would fit them in China, who is going to pay travelling costs, etc... as all of them are from underprivileged families.

While she shared it with Manitra, the Perla Project worker in Antananarivo, they both immediately became concerned and went to see the girls and their parents. Sabine had discovered that all their personal documents like ID cards were already made even though they were still under the age of 18 and they were waiting for the delivery of their passports...

They were ready to go ... 

Manitra spoke to their parents and to the girls about the possibility of some trap behind this job opportunity and proposed an alternative to get training skills through OM’s Perla Training program, after which they could use in the future to get paying jobs.

It was not easy to convince them to change their minds, but fortunately, with the parents’ recommendation, they accepted. They had a sewing and cooking class and followed a 3-month discipleship program. They did well in the classes, and we could see they discovered a sense of purpose in their lives.  

Eight years later, two of the girls now have their own families, and all of the girls have businesses. They are thankful that God has protected them as we hear now number of sad stories of girls being  trafficked to China from Madagascar.