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| Street Girls Aid Social Workers Walk The Railway |
When Ophelia was interviewed for the book “Stories From The
Streets” she shared about her life as a commercial sex worker. At sixteen with
an infant to feed there were few options available for her after being kicked
out of her home. Her family blamed her for her pregnancy although she was
impregnated by her teacher, dejected, she and her baby and some other girls
slept in the open air bath houses, she’d given up any hope of a future for her
child; she’d almost given up on herself.
After regular interactions with Street Girls Aid social
workers in the railway, she turned to them for help. It wasn't easy. Following
rules and adjusting to a routine which included educational and vocational programs
required a lot of adjustment. Her health complications from the sex trade
created additional difficulties.
Through the counseling she received, she opened up and made
the decision to take action on her life, for the future of baby and for her
future.
Several years later Ophelia works in a hairdressing salon
earns a regular income and is able to take care of her child. She is getting
ready to open her own salon from the money she has saved and she has successfully
influenced two of her friends who were also commercial sex workers to learn
skills and a trade. They are both working in their new vocations.
When asked what has changed for her as a result of Street
Girls Aid and their programs, Ophelia has this to say, “I have acquired a skill
which puts me in the best position to take care of my child. I feel more
respected and I am privileged and happy. I have big dreams.”
Ophelia’s dreams and other important lessons from Ophelia
are included in the book “Stories From The Streets” Help support the publishing
of this book so that Ophelia and others can share their inspirational
experiences.
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