In the process of establishing the age of a girl I was with, she shared that her husband (aka boyfriend) had left her and she had a baby who had died at just 4 months old. She worked at the karaoke bar to make ends meet and help her parents. I was gutted and found it hard to keep myself together. She was as young as my own daughters. While I was talking to this girl, the magar or controller, continually approached me and asked if I wanted to take the girl outside. I was repulsed by what this poor girl was going through. I tried to laugh it off with the magar, but I dont think I was very convincing. The girls story had really touched me. In the end, I chose to sing the song Tears In Heaven, a song written by Eric Clapton after the loss of his own son who died in an accident. As I left, I promised to call the girl the next day and see if I could connect her with any other jobs that would get her out of having to work there. Her eyes sparked up and I saw her smile optimistically. It was a strong reminder to me of how important it is for us to keep going. To keep looking for the young and the vulnerable. To do everything in our power to get them out a horrid industry that just chews girls up and spits them out. We go after children so they can be spared the grief and heartache of a life without hope or promise. We want to alter their DESTINY! - Walter*, Rescue Manager, Cambodia *To protect the identity of workers, names have been changed.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:52:58 +0000