Impact Stories of Change

Laila (name and image changed for protection) is free from exploitation on Lake Volta!
Laila was just six years old when a family friend—referred to as an “uncle”—convinced her parents to let him take her to Lake Volta. As the fourth of eight children in a financially struggling household, her parents hoped this would be a chance for her to receive an education and a better life.

But instead of the promised care and schooling, Laila found herself trapped in a harsh reality.

She was never enrolled in school. Instead, she was forced to work long hours under dangerous and exhausting conditions. She mended broken nets, scooped water from boats, sold fish, and did strenuous household chores far beyond her age and strength.

Laila spent seven years of her young life in forced labour and exploitation.

When her parents stopped hearing from her and their efforts to reach her failed, they contacted Challenging Heights for help. Our rescue team located and freed Laila from slavery on the lake. She is now safe and undergoing recovery at our rehabilitation center, where she’s receiving the care, education, and emotional support she needs to heal.

Thanks to your generous support, stories like Laila’s are being rewritten—one life at a time.

Together, we are breaking the cycle of child trafficking and modern slavery.