The BBC today covered a story about 2 Swedish men who have been arrested and given life sentences in the Philippines for running an internet pornography ring. This particular operation was not far from the city in the Philippines where Her Star Scholars is sending girls to school.
Rampant poverty and girls with no schooling or hope for employment create a dangerous situation where girls of all ages are vulnerable to abuse. Parents are often convinced that they are sending their girls to work in respectable high-paying jobs in other cities.
Arrests over internet pornography
An important part of the Her Star Scholars model is to educate the parents to the dangers their daughters may face. Social workers familiar with the risks that these girls face talk with the parents one-on-one and explain the different types of scams that are operating locally as well as talking about abuse faced by overseas workers. Girls are taught how to protect themselves and how to seek help in dangerous or scary situations.
Education of the girls in the Philippines and the around the world provides them with the self-esteem needed to be willing to stand-up for and protect themselves.
