Jamaica is a source and destination country in which children are trafficked internally for sexual exploitation. In 2007, the government passed the anti-trafficking statute outlawing the trafficking of persons, including minors for commercial sexual exploitation. Several cases have been initiated against traffickers for the sexual exploitation of children, particularly prostitution.
In 2002, Shared Hope International (SHI) partnered with Teen Challenge Jamaica to implement restorative services to women and children who are victims of sex trafficking. This facility provided basic services such as outreach into the community as well as mental, physical, and spiritual restoration. Gang violence threatened the women and children living in the home and forced its closure.
In 2006, SHI examined the marketplaces of exploitation in Jamaica as part of DEMAND. While conducting the investigation in Jamaica, SHI discovered a critical need for shelter. To address this need, SHI funded Hebron House, a shelter operated by a Vision Makers of Jamaica. Hebron House provides a safe place for women needing to learn independent living skills in order to support themselves and their babies.
SHI has partnered with the Theodora Project of the United Church of Negril to build a Village of Hope for the at-risk and exploited children in the Negril area. In 2007, SHI funded construction of the Theodora Project Computer Centre which was dedicated and opened in October 2007 with new computer equipment provided by Soroptimist International of Stuart, Florida. Vocational and remedial training through the Computer Centre will provide these students with a viable and marketable skill to ensure they do not become victims in the commercial sex industry in Jamaica or other islands.
SHI, with generous funding again from Soroptimist International of Stuart, is currently funding construction of a shelter called Theodora's Place which will provide a safe place to live for at-risk and commercially sexually exploited girls while they pursue their vocational training and remedial education in the Computer Centre. Construction is currently underway is scheduled for completion in October 2008.
(I'd like to support SHI's
efforts in Jamaica now)
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