Don Bosco Fambul is the Salesian home we supported through last year's Christmas Concert at the Vatican, an event aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking and child prostitution in Sierra Leone. The Salesian missionaries have provided a report detailing activities that engaged hundreds of young people from the slums of Freetown and the rural areas of Waterloo and Tombo. The main objective was to raise awareness about the Girls Shelter, a refuge at Don Bosco Fambul for girls aged 9 to 17 who are victims of sexual exploitation.
Thanks to the generous support of benefactors, the Salesians identified a total of 319 girls involved in prostitution: 217 were enrolled in the program and received necessary support and resources, while 86 underwent long-term rehabilitation and training sessions. Additionally, 137 girls participated in a shorter intervention program that included immediate crisis response, medical care, and psychological counseling.
Each year, 160-180 girls undergo screenings, with their stories documented in personal files, ensuring that every counseling session is recorded to address the root causes of their trauma. Following thorough assessments, personalized plans are created to help them overcome symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The 217 girls rescued from the nightmare of sexual exploitation have access to therapeutic rehabilitation, as well as educational psychomotor sessions designed to enhance their motor skills, concentration, and physical fitness.
The Salesians provide daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), clothing, and personal hygiene products for 40-50 girls, while also offering special assistance to young mothers to meet the needs of their small children. Each week, 10-15 girls receive medical assistance (first aid, malaria treatment, and care for other ailments) at the Don Bosco Fambul Hospital, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Approximately 40-50 girls have participated in customized informal lessons to prepare for reintegration into the formal educational system, complementing this with eight workshops on hygiene, health, human rights, sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, friendship, trauma healing techniques, and anger management.
Additionally, the Salesian missionaries organize outings to various locations to help the girls overcome their traumas. These precious moments provide opportunities for personal growth, relaxation, and fun, allowing the girls to engage in activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, and sandcastle building.
Finally, legal assistance and awareness-raising about their fundamental human rights have been crucial. The Salesians also engage in mediation with law enforcement to address minor offenses committed by the girls before arriving at Don Bosco Fambul, seeking alternative solutions to resolve disputes positively.
This extensive project is divided into five phases: identification and reception, rehabilitation, support and legal representation, networking, and finally, tracing and family reunification. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of all those involved in the project, a remarkable 196 girls have been reintegrated into their families or have found placements with extended or foster families in the area!
Source: Missioni Don Bosco
