During a follow-up visit to a village of released agricultural bonded laborers, the Madhubani Justice Hub discovered that the families were struggling financially due to uncertain work prospects, putting them at risk of re-trafficking. A particularly concerning issue was that all the children had been forced to drop out of school. The school was located near a powerful local landowner, and the families were afraid that sending their children to the school would provoke retaliation or harm from the landowner.
Recognizing the critical situation, the Justice Hub took steps to support these families both economically and emotionally. The aftercare team regularly visited the school to ensure that the children were re-enrolled and monitored their academic progress. Counseling sessions were held with the families, stressing the importance of education in transforming their children’s future and helping them overcome their fear of the landlord. The Justice Hub also provided essential school supplies, including notebooks, pens, and water bottles, which served as further encouragement and motivation for the children to return to school.
In addition to focusing on the children’s education, the Justice Hub is working to help the adult survivors find stable, long-term employment to put them on the path toward financial independence. This holistic approach addresses both immediate and future needs so that these families can escape the cycle of poverty and fear.
