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Help Save Africans From A Life of Slavery

Young women learning to sew in Tamale, Ghana

If you think of slavery only in the 18th and 19th centuries, then please think again. I ask you to think in the 21st century and imagine the face of modern slavery.

Yes, there are still the laborers but today’s slaves include millions of women sold for sex, children forced to become soldiers, and migrants in debt to landowners that it is impossible to get out of.

In Ghana the Missionaries of Africa are working hard trying to help the people eradicate this social malady. Their Campaign Against Modern Slavery strikes at the heart of the problem: a lack of education. You’ve helped us before – and we are truly grateful. But today, we’re asking for your help with this urgent project.

Modern slavery is a crime against humanity. Most often the victims are our poorest brothers and sisters in the most devastated countries on earth!

Anonymous

Dear Mr. Doe,

If you think of slavery only in the 18th and 19th centuries, then please think again. I ask you to think in the 21st century and imagine the face of modern slavery.

Yes, there are still the laborers but today’s slaves include millions of women sold for sex, children forced to become soldiers, and migrants in debt to landowners that it is impossible to get out of.

In Ghana the Missionaries of Africa are working hard trying to help the people eradicate this social malady. Their Campaign Against Modern Slavery strikes at the heart of the problem: a lack of education. You’ve helped us before – and we are truly grateful. But today, we’re asking for your help with this urgent project.

We must raise $29,000 to make this project work. It entails continually communicating the message that there are dangerous people who want to exploit others. Families and young adults must be taught there are alternatives and that they can find a better life right in their own villages. And particularly, the girls need to be kept in school at all costs.

Bishop Philip Naameh of the Tamale Diocese recently wrote: “This project is indeed very important as many of our young men and women fall victim to modern forms of slavery, believing they are searching for greener pastures.” Your gift of $25, $50, or $100 will help these children and young adults step out of bondage into a life free of fear.

Reports show that millions people live in some form of slavery today! The Catholic Church and many of its partners are working very hard to combat slavery. But people are hurting right now. They live in fear and, frankly, very few can escape.

In Ghana, Father Dominic Apee, one of our missionaries, knew he needed to do something about it. The country, so well endowed with resources, had become a center for slave trafficking. Children from Ghana were fleeing from the north to the south. They were disillusioned about any benefits they would receive from jobs and forced into slave labor.

Without hesitation Father Dominic began creating an awareness of the dangers to children and to families. He knew that education was key and that the people needed to be made keenly aware that danger lurked in seeking a better life riddled with false promises. In his words: “The population is becoming more and more aware of the danger of sending girls to Southern Ghana. They should be sent to schools. Schooling is the solution to this problem.”

I ask you to please pray for Father Dominic and the people in Northern Ghana. The people live in fear and want a better life. We all want what’s better for them too – but not at the cost of slavery!

That’s why your financial help to assist us in raising the $29,000 needed for this project is so important. As you look around, even in the United States, you will see shades of modern slavery. No one should be exploited or used for the gain of another. We are challenged to make sure we give credit where credit is due and hold up the sacred humanity of another. Look around in your workplace, your neighborhood, even your home, to find ways to show your respect for another and lift up their dignity.

Will you consider donating to help the Campaign Against Modern Slavery? You too can help save a life!