LighthouseDisha

Discover the impact of our series shedding light on the plight of child labour in India, particularly affecting young girls who sacrifice education for financial support.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Indian government's National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) 2022 report, there are an estimated 10.1 million child labourers aged 5-14 years.

Read Maya's story to witness the transformation firsthand.

Follow us for inspiring narratives of and .

LighthouseDisha Revival Fires

Embark on a journey of resilience and renewal with the 'Stories of Freedom' series, showcasing the inspiring journeys of four courageous young women finding solace and transformation at LighthouseDisha

Stay tuned as their stories unfold depicting the power of healing and hope.

Our recent workshop organized by the Siliguri GRP collaboration with International Justice Mission, West Bengal as a knowledge partner and Siliguri Community Transformation and Welfare Society as a supporting partner delved into the crucial 'Role of Railway Police' in combatting labour trafficking.

Greatful for the relentless support of Shri S. Selvamurugan IPS, SRP (in the Rank of DIGP), GRP Siliguri.

The session was instrumental in Recognizing the pivotal role of railway police in exploring strategies to intercept trafficking networks ensuring justice for victims and highlighting best practices across state agencies.

Together, we're driving impactful change in the fight against human trafficking.

Celebrating International Women's Day 2024 with LighthouseDisha 's Courageous Survivors.

We continue to champion empowerment, offering not just refuge, but a pathway to resilience and renewal.

Together, we're rewriting stories of strength, resilience, and triumph, one woman at a time.

Empowering communities against labour trafficking!

Light House Disha, Siliguri, teamed up with Labour Commissionerate Siliguri and International Justice Mission as knowledge partner to mark BLSA (Bonded Labour Abolition Act 1976) Day In collaboration with survivors and stakeholders, we shed light on ' Unsafe Migration leads vulnerable people to human trafficking resulting in Bonded Labour'.

Let's combat trafficking together!

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Proud moment for LighthouseDisha Our survivors took centre stage at Shramik Mela 2024 in North Bengal, sharing powerful stories of resilience against human and labour trafficking.

Grateful for the opportunity to sensitise the public and interact with government officials.

Special thanks to the Labour Commissionerate Office of West Bengal for the support!

Together, we're making a difference.

United in resilience, draped in the colours of freedom.

On India's 75th Republic Day, we stand tall as survivors, proudly bearing the spirit of our nation.

Together, we forge a path of strength, hope, and unity.

What a great start to the New Year! As our 2024 goal, we are committed to working alongside our capable government officials in preventing child labour and amplifying safe working conditions for women.

Together, we continue to address interconnected issues like safe, unsafe migration, as well as how to collectively act together to combat human trafficking.

The workshop, held yesterday in collaboration with the Department of Labour, West Bengal, and the International Justice Mission (IJM) as our knowledge partner, set the stage for an impactful year ahead.

Let's continue our journey towards a future where every child is free from labour, every woman works in safe conditions, and we collectively combat human trafficking.

🌟 Join us in this mission for positive change!

Yesterday, we basked in the luminous celebration of 'Jesus, Light of the World' at LighthouseDisha! 🌟

Inspired by the timeless verses of John 8:12 the spirit of Christmas lit up the night. 🕯️

Our incredible survivors and girls took the stage, weaving a tapestry of hope and joy that will linger in our hearts. 🎄✨

The event was a radiant success, thanks to the love and support of our cherished partners, friends, and family! 🙏💖

A special shout-out to all our guests, friends and family for their presence especially Papa House Children for their heartwarming performance, Holy Word Ministries, Mr Joshua Pradhan of Living Word Centre, Pastor Samuel Sengupta of Atmik Jeevan Church, Mr. and Mrs. Karmakar of Kings and Queen, Pastor Janus Singh and family from Valley Bible Fellowship, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, and our dedicated interns and staff. 🌟

Your presence and blessings illuminated the evening, making it truly special for our survivors and girls. 🕊️

Wishing everyone a blessed Merry Christmas.

🎄✨

Our girls at LighthouseDisha are immersed in the spirit of Christmas, engaging in creative arts, making festive cards, and decorating the Christmas tree with enthusiasm remembering that the true essence of Christmas lies not in the decorations around the tree but in the extraordinary gift of salvation we received through the birth of Jesus 🎄✨🎁

Thrilled to join forces with the Border Security Force at Himalayan International School on World Day Against Elimination of Violence Against Women! 🧡

Our organization, Light House Disha, is proud to amplify the campaign.

No excuse for lack of support - let's unite to end violence against women and girls.

Education and schools are key players in this movement.

Together, we can make a difference!

Meet Jiah, a resilient 16-year-old who was born in a red-light area, surrounded by an environment where abuse and exploitation were normalised. Thanks to the relentless efforts of law enforcement and social workers, her mother, an adult victim of commercial s*xual exploitation, was rescued and removed from the red-light area.

Since then, we've been mentoring and educating Jiah about her rights and protection along with her mother.

Now, at 18, she's thriving at our restoration centre, gaining skill training and trauma counselling on her journey to freedom and dignity.

Her story is one of courage, resilience, and transformation.

This , let's raise our voices to amplify the stories of children living in unsafe environments, desperate for rescue and restoration.

It's a call to action for individuals like you and me to make a difference.

Together, we can build communities prioritizing education and awareness on child rights and protection.

Every child deserves safety, education, and a chance to thrive.

🧵✨ Exciting News! Transforming Lives, One Stitch at a Time! ✂️

We're thrilled to share that LighthouseDisha is continuing to make a difference in the lives of survivors with our empowering Fashion & Garment Making Classes! 👗💪

At LighthouseDisha we believe in the power of skills and self-reliance, and our Tailoring Classes are designed to provide survivors with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. 🌟

🧵 What we offer:

Comprehensive tailoring training from expert instructors.
Creative workshops to ignite your inner fashion designer.
A supportive community of survivors and mentors.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We are not just teaching stitching; we're stitching the fabric of hope, resilience, and a brighter future. 🌈

Join us in spreading the word and helping survivors regain their confidence and independence. Together, we can make a difference!

Ready to embark on this incredible journey with us? Contact us for more information on our efforts! 📞👚

Our journey towards healing and hope continues, as we welcome a new member 'Jia' into the safe haven of Light House Disha.

As survivors like Jia continue to embark on a healing, renewal, and transformation journey. Their strength and resilience inspire us every day.

Light House Disha stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of trauma, abuse and exploitation.

With your unwavering support, we can continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for those seeking to rebuild their lives.

This journey is made possible through the support of our incredible partners and donors.

Your contributions profoundly impact the lives of survivors and the community we serve.

We cannot do this without you!

Let's come together to celebrate new beginnings, love, and resilience.

Share your messages of hope and encouragement in the comments below to welcome Jia to the Light House Disha family.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us light the path towards a brighter future for survivors.

Together, we can make a difference. 💫🕊️

skill training is a powerful tool for economically empowering survivors providing them with the means to rebuild their lives, regain their independence, and break free from the cycle of vulnerability and exploitation.

It not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the overall resilience and development of communities and societies.

Workshop on trends of unsafe migration leading to human trafficking organized in collaboration with Centre for Child Rights, Department of Law, University of North Bengal and Knowledge partner International Justice Mission, Kolkata.

Empowering Tomorrow's Legal Minds: Uniting Against Unsafe Migration and Human Trafficking 💪🌍

Education as a tool for the restoration of survivors is indispensable in the .

Join us in our mission to see young women and girls restored reaching their full potential for a life of freedom and dignity.

follow us for more updates on our efforts!

LighthouseDisha

📚🖋Education empowers survivors by equipping them with knowledge and skills.

📚🖋This empowerment can boost their self-esteem and confidence, helping them regain a sense of control over their lives.

📚🖋Education expands survivors' opportunities for the future. It opens up career pathways and economic independence, reducing their vulnerability to ongoing hardship.

We are thrilled to share an inspiring update with all of you!

One of the survivors under our care, whose identity we are keeping confidential to respect her privacy, has achieved a remarkable milestone on her journey to recovery and empowerment.

This resilient young woman, who represents the first in her generation to seize the opportunity for education and break free from the cycle of living in unsafe and exploitative circumstances, has made incredible strides.

Over the past few months, she has not only embraced the gift of education but has also demonstrated extraordinary dedication and determination.

Despite facing numerous challenges, she has excelled academically and emotionally, proving that with the right support, survivors can rebuild their lives.

Her progress is a testament to the transformative power of .

It is breaking down barriers, instilling confidence, and offering her the skills and knowledge necessary to build a brighter future.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your continued support. Your contributions have helped create an environment where survivors can flourish and regain their sense of self-worth.

As she continues her educational journey, we remain committed to providing her with the resources and guidance she needs to thrive.

Together, we are making a lasting impact, one survivor at a time!

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey towards empowerment and restoration.

We invite you to join us in our mission by sponsoring our survivor's program, volunteering your time, and offering your prayers as a united team.

Together, we can continue to create a nurturing and secure environment for the women and girls we serve on their path to healing from trauma.

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and communities.

Our commitment to trauma-informed care reflects a compassionate and holistic approach to serving individuals who have experienced trauma, emphasizing their well-being and recovery.

Join us in our mission to foster a nurturing environment that prioritizes mental well-being. Together, we are committed to promoting trauma-informed care and creating safe and supportive spaces for survivors to heal and thrive.

From Darkness to Light: A Survivor's Journey to Hope and Healing

In the bustling city of Siliguri, where life often takes unexpected turns, we find the inspiring story of Riya (pseudonym), a young woman who has triumphed over unimaginable odds. Born into a world where choices seemed limited, Riya's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering support she received from Light House Disha.

Riya's story begins in a red-light area in North Bengal. Raised by a s*x worker, she faced challenges that most of us can only imagine. From an early age, Riya understood that her life was different from those of her peers. But even amidst the shadows, a spark of hope burned within her.

As Riya grew older, she faced the harsh realities of her environment. The cycle of second-generation prostitution was a looming presence, but Riya refused to accept this as her fate. She dreamt of a different life, one filled with choices, opportunities, and dignity.

It was at this critical juncture that Light House Disha stepped in. Riya was referred to our organization, where she found not just a helping hand, but a community that believed in her potential. With our support, Riya is embarking on a journey of healing and transformation.

Light House Disha is providing Riya with access to education, counselling, and vocational training. These opportunities allow her to explore her interests and talents. Through mentorship and support, Riya regained a sense of self-worth that had been overshadowed for so long.

Today, Riya's life is a far cry from the darkness she once knew. With the skills and knowledge, she gained through Light House Disha, she has embarked on a journey towards financial independence. Riya is now pursuing her dream of becoming economically independent and has even started excelling in her college studies.

Riya's story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, survivors can break free from the chains of human trafficking and second-generation prostitution.

Light House Disha continues to work tirelessly to end this cycle and provide hope to those who need it most with many of your support.

Riya's journey is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter future for survivors in India.

Join us in our mission to combat human trafficking and support survivors like Riya. Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those seeking to break free from the cycle of exploitation.

Dear Fellow Indians,

As we come together to celebrate India's Independence Day, let us take a moment to reflect upon the profound meaning of freedom – a concept that holds a different significance for survivors of human trafficking in our nation.

Freedom, to us, is not just a word or an abstract idea. It's a powerful and transformative force that has the ability to heal wounds, mend broken spirits, and ignite the flame of hope within us. We, the survivors of human trafficking, have faced unimaginable hardships and experienced the darkest corners of humanity. Our journey has been marked by pain, suffering, and the loss of control over our lives.

Yet, today, as we stand on the path of recovery and resilience, we understand that freedom goes beyond physical liberation. It is the right to make choices for ourselves, to pursue our dreams without constraints, and to live a life guided by our own decisions. It is the ability to rebuild our shattered lives, reclaim our dignity, and shape our destinies.

For us, freedom means:

Reclaiming Identity: We were stripped of our identities and reduced to mere commodities. True freedom allows us to rediscover and embrace who we are, celebrating our uniqueness and potential.

Restoring Dignity: Our dignity was trampled upon during our ordeal. Freedom empowers us to stand tall, knowing that we are worthy of respect, love, and empathy.

Empowerment through Education: Education is a key that unlocks the doors of opportunity. Freedom enables us to access education and skills, paving the way for brighter futures.

Breaking Chains of Silence: Freedom encourages us to speak out against the injustices we've endured, helping us break the cycle of silence and contribute to the fight against human trafficking.

Dreaming Without Limits: Through freedom, we dare to dream again – of careers, families, and happiness. It enables us to envision a future that was once stolen from us.

Choosing Love and Relationships: We regain the power to form healthy relationships, built on trust, love, and mutual respect. Freedom liberates us from the trauma that once held us captive.

Supporting Others: Our journey to freedom fuels our desire to help others still trapped in the darkness. It inspires us to be advocates for change and sources of strength for fellow survivors.

As we raise our voices to share the meaning of freedom, let us remember that every Indian has a role to play in ensuring that human trafficking becomes a thing of the past. By advocating for stricter laws, supporting organizations that provide shelter and rehabilitation, and by fostering a society built on compassion and awareness, we can collectively create an India where freedom truly reigns for all.

This Independence Day, let's celebrate not just the freedom won in 1947, but the ongoing struggle for freedom from exploitation, injustice, and pain. Let us work together to create an India where every individual's freedom is cherished, protected, and upheld.

With hope in our hearts and the strength of unity,

Survivors of Human Trafficking.

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📢 *World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 - Summary*

🚆 Light House Disha, in collaboration with Siliguri GRP supported by Knowledge Partner, International Justice Mission, West Bengal, observed the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023.

🤝 The theme "Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind" emphasized the commitment to fight trafficking and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

💡 The event aimed to raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking, including labor trafficking and bonded labor, which traps victims in exploitation and deplorable conditions.

📸 Posters on Human Trafficking were released by Chief Guest Shri N.G Dutta IC GRPS, NJP, and Shri Shoiab Khan IC, RPF, New Jalpaiguri, along with NF Railway officials.

📣 Education and awareness were highlighted as crucial tools to combat trafficking, empowering communities to recognize warning signs and report suspicious activities.

🔍 Railway announcements and toll-free helpline numbers were utilized to disseminate information throughout the day in West Bengal.

🤝 Survivor testimonials from Light House Disha shed light on the prevalence of trafficking and the need for victim support and rehabilitation.

💪 Governments were urged to strengthen legislation to hold traffickers accountable and dismantle trafficking networks.

🎉 The day was marked with cultural events, poster launches, and multilingual announcements at NJP railway station to sensitize the public and provide helpline numbers to combat human trafficking.

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Join Us in our continued for survivors of human trafficking & at-risk women & girls.

Revival Fires

On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us say no to human trafficking. Human trafficking robs individuals of their right to life. On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us stand with the victims of trafficking

1 Day to Go!

World Day Against Trafficking In Persons 2023.