From “Monica Burns, Freedom United”

Earlier this year, I asked you to chip in to support Ifeyinwa, Chioma, Praise, Eniola, Abeke, Yetunde, Honour, Aisha, Idara and Oka to launch and scale their small businesses. As survivors of human trafficking, they were working towards financial security to be able to protect themselves from further exploitation in the future.   The fundraiser was a massive success: so much so that we were able to support double the number of entrepreneurs originally planned! We are grateful to each and every one who made a donation enabling Freedom United to make a total of 20 grants.  Once the fundraiser ended, our wonderful partner in Nigeria, Girls Inspired, got to work, making sure your donations were used as effectively as possible. They trained the beneficiaries on relevant skills and information, including bookkeeping, marketing and business strategy, then awarded them with your grants.

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The entrepreneurs used the funds to further their businesses in different ways. For example, one woman purchased a second-hand sewing machine to help her progress in her fashion business. Another woman invested in equipment and accessories for her hairstyling business. A third woman was able to stock her snack shop.   

They asked us to pass on their gratitude for your donations and words of support. Here are some of their messages to you: 

“I am excited and grateful to the sponsors. I will grow my business with it and make you proud.”  

“I have been going through thick and thin as a single mother and survivor. With this grant, I can equip my hair accessories business. I am grateful for this support. God bless you and your communities.”  

“My profound gratitude to the funders, organisers and facilitators for the consideration to support human trafficking survivors. I appreciate this and would give the business my best.”  

“This grant will help me achieve my long-awaited plans of growing my fashion business. Thank you to all the partners that made this happen.”  

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Thanks to Girls Inspired and the generosity of the Freedom United community, we were able to support 20 women with grants to expand their businesses. We are very grateful to everyone who got involved, donating and sharing the fundraiser, and sending messages of support. We couldn’t have done it without you!   In solidarity, Monica and the team that supports the Freedom United community

Monica Burns Freedom United Campaigner