Junus’ Journey From Bonded Labor to Education
Junus closes his notebook with a quiet sense of accomplishment.

The corners of his mouth curl into a small smile as he imagines the "A" his English paper is sure to earn. He turns off the light and crawls under the covers, satisfied at all that he has accomplished.

Just a few years ago, Junus didn’t even know how to read or write. His life was one of unimaginable hardship. His father, consumed by alcoholism, brought chaos and pain into their home. The abuse was relentless—so much so that Junus’ mother was forced to flee, leaving him behind. Trapped in the grips of his addiction, Junus' father made the devastating decision to sell his own son into bonded labor to pay off debts.

Traded like property, Junus endured the bleak reality of slavery. In desperation, Junus ran away, with no place to go and no one to turn to. Alone, uneducated, and barely surviving, God made a way. In an incredible miracle, Junus found our hostel—a safe space funded by the incredible generosity of donors like you. 

Each day brought new victories; learning to read his first sentence, solving math equations. And writing his very first essay.  Now, at just 18, Junus is preparing to graduate high school and has been accepted into a nursing program and will soon begin training to become a healthcare worker. For the first time, he can picture a fulfilling career—a life filled with dignity, purpose, and respect.

Your compassion provided him with a safe haven when he had nowhere else to turn. You gave Junus the foundation for his education, strength, and resilience. And now, he can write his own story—a story of triumph, healing, and hope.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in children like Junus. Because of you, Junus' life has been saved and the cycle of poverty in his family is being broken.

 

 

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