In January we reflected on the previous nine months of the financial year. As a team we sat together and discussed what worked, what failed and what adjustments we needed to make so we could be better prepared for the next financial year. On the 1st April, as the new financial year started, we stopped to look back at how much progress we had made with the plan we implemented a year ago. It was interesting to see the journey we covered and the journey yet to be covered. Some parts were inspiring, others sobering.
With gladness I say that we have had 28 successful rescue operations, 56 victims given the choice to freedom, 320 survivors cared for, 66 perpetrators arrested and 123 bails opposed. The effect of a number of years of diligent follow up resulted in 6 convictions.
SO much to be thankful for. This would not have been possible without the support of each of you – monetarily, emotionally, with every resource you have shared, your commitment, passion and making Freedom Firm’s dream your own. I can’t think of a better time to say thank you.
While we planned for a lot more, we realised the grounds we managed to cover also showed the vast acreage yet to cover.
We remember the many victims we saw but were unable to rescue for the myriad reasons including non availability of police, leaked information, movement of victims, the challenge of balancing evidence collection and time – both equally critical. We assure you, they will not be forgotten. We commit to continue to look for these victims and offer them also a taste of true freedom.
We remember the victims and survivors we were able to bring out of bondage only to have them enslaved again because of the failure of systems including law and order, judiciary and service providers. We commit to continue to fight for their freedom by working with those in these departments committed to carry the pillars of law, justice and service and by facilitating accountability where absent.
We remember survivors who attended a Dream Fund workshop organised by one of our granters. It was exciting to see and hear the childlike hope and excitement of every girl as she shared her dreams and steps she was going to take to make it come true and the support she needed from us. We hold on to the workshop tagline that said “The future belongs to those who dream. No dream is too big or too small. Every dream matters”. We commit to support them in making their dreams come true.
As we start this new financial year, I encourage each of you to dream for yourselves, dream for the survivors and step by step make those dreams a reality in your own little way.
Catherine Raja National Director, Freedom Firm
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