November 2016
In This Issue: Superstar Senyo
Stella & Dot Trunk Show
Superstar Senyo
Since RTBF rescued Senyo in 2014, we have chronicled this young trafficked boy's inspiring journey from enslavement to freedom. Senyo suffered a crippling spine injury while working in the treacherous fishing industry on Lake Volta, Ghana. His master left him with an herbalist for treatment and as highlighted in our October 2014 newsletter, Senyo was starved, beaten and further traumatized, despite his severe disability.
When Senyo was rescued, RTBF discovered his father was deceased and his mother was mentally ill and unable to care for him. He was also diagnosed with five crushed vertebrae and spinal tuberculosis. After nine weeks of pre-surgery treatment which included a nutrition program to help him gain weight and a traction device to reduce the severe deformity of his spine, Senyo had successful spine reconstruction surgery. This was possible thanks to the compassion and generosity of our supporters who made donations for his medical expenses and FOCOS, who also solicited donations on his behalf.
Senyo before surgery Senyo undergoing pre-surgery treatment
Our June 2016 newsletter updated Senyo's post surgery treatment, which included physical therapy as well as academic lessons at the Orthopedic Training Center (OTC). It was there that Gloria, a social worker, saw real leadership qualities in Senyo. Since that time, Senyo was cleared to attend school in the fall. He was so excited!
RTBF's assistant, Yvonne, recently visited the OTC for an assessment visit. The Director, Sister Elizabeth, said "Senyo is doing very well and he has improved tremendously and is also happy to be in school." Rita, an OTC teacher, accompanied Yvonne to the Roman Catholic school where Senyo is now enrolled. Yvonne observed Senyo's seriousness in the classroom. He raised his hand to answer every question the teacher asked the class.
Senyo stands proudly with his classmates. Senyo reads out loud to Yvonne.
The school's head mistress said "Senyo's life is a living testimony to what is possible when a child is free to go to school. He is trying very hard to catch up with his classmates and is a good student even though he has never been to school in his whole life. I wanted him to start in Class One but upon examining his tremendous performance, I knew he could compete with the Class Two pupils, hence he started with them." His teacher said "Kofi always pays attention in class and he always wants to lead the class when I give them a task to perform. He is an average pupil, but I assure you he can be first in the class if he gets used to learning."
L to R: Apeanimaa (intern), Senyo, Rita, and Senyo's teacher.
Senyo said "I am happy and I like school very much. Thank you so much Right To Be Free."
Senyo is living testimony and affirmation of the indomitable human spirit. Despite his heartbreaking childhood, he has triumphed over his severe physical disabilities and emotional trauma to exceed beyond anyone's expectations. We look forward to sharing future updates as Senyo continues to be a true superstar!
Stella & Dot Trunk Show Fundraiser
The holidays are approaching so get a head start on your shopping at Right To Be Free's annual Stella & Dot trunk show at http://bit.ly/RTBF2016StellaDot. A portion of all proceeds will go to support our life saving work. Avoid the long lines and holiday traffic and shop Stella & Dot's beautiful jewelry and accessories. Every item arrives in a complimentary colorful gift box and all purchases have a 100% satisfaction guarantee with free returns and exchanges. The trunk show ends December 8, 2016, 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Please make sure to use the link above to benefit RTBF and share the link with your family and friends in the U.S. Thank You for looking good while doing good! Questions? Contact Vera Chan at verachan13@gmail.com, (312) 909-4501.
We thank our donors who stand alongside us as we work tirelessly to rescue and provide trafficked children with the happy and healthy lives they deserve. Victories like Senyo would not have been possible without YOU. We know we cannot save every child, but we know that with your help, we can continue to save shattered lives like Senyo. Your loyal partnership is the lifeline to these children and we profoundly believe in the endless possibilities that come with freedom.
All operating costs are funded internally; 100% of every donation directly serves trafficked children.
You can support RTBF just by shopping at Amazon online. Amazon’s Smile Foundation will donate .05% of your purchases to Right To Be Free. Your account is exactly the same on Amazon and AmazonSmile. Click AmazonSmile's link to shop for the benefit of RTBF and in the future, shop at Smileamazon.com and your Amazon purchases will help save a child’s life! It's quick and easy!
