Madhu grew up in a slum outside of a large city in southern India. When Madhu's oldest sister was married, her illiterate parents borrowed money from a loan shark. Eventually, escorted by corrupt police officers, Madhu was taken by force as repayment for the debt.
Her captors shoved her into a van with 8 other children and drove them to a rock quarry. Madhu was so distraught she attempted suicide, but an older woman in the mine cared for her and helped her to see that this was not the way to escape. The woman told her to "never accept defeat in this life." While Madhu struggled to see anything different, this woman's faith gave her hope. In the quarry, Madhu saw horrible working conditions and witness the sexual abuse of older girls and female workers. She knew it was only a matter of time until she was summoned and attacked, but before that day came, a field team silently came into the quarry at night and rescued the children.
Madhu and the other children were given some time to recover, and then they came to live at the Sylom Children's Home. She has recovered from the trauma of being kidnapped and forced to work in the quarry. Soon, she'll begin school again. Madhu wants to become a fashion designer, and someday, through the vocational scholarship program, she'll be able to reach her goals.
When you sponsor Madhu, you take care of her needs for food and education. You'll get updates from time to time about how you've made a difference and learn about the significant things happening in her life.
When you do what you can For One, you help end child slavery for good.
Dozens of other children are waiting to be connected with a sponsor. See their stories.
*The name used is a pseudonym to protect this child’s identity.