IN-DEPTH.

what does restavek means?

In the essence of Creole, "Restavek" speaks to the act of "staying with." Yet, for the children labeled as Restavek, this term takes on a profound and harrowing meaning. It symbolizes:

Enduring... humiliation and abuse.

Existing in solitude within a family void of love.

Bearing... unrelenting and gnawing hung.

Restavek is a form of modern-day child slavery in Haiti that arises out of Haiti’s challenging history affected by slavery, poverty, natural disasters, and many other problems and challenges.

What cause restavek in Haiti?

The persistence of the restavek practice in Haiti is rooted in a complex network of factors, ranging from challenging economic conditions to ingrained cultural beliefs about children. As each day unfolds and more children face a life marked by difficulties, the necessity to stop this practice becomes more pressing.

When asked about their needs, these children convey a straightforward yet deeply meaningful request: "All I want is to be human." This poignant statement highlights the urgent requirement for substantial action to break the cycle of suffering and provide these children with the fundamental dignity they yearn for.

IF SLAVERY IS ILLEGAL WORLDWIDE, HOW DOES IT PERSIST?

Even though every country has banned slavery, it persists globally, adapting to diverse cultures and economies. This includes child slavery and trafficking, where informal exchanges and debt payments perpetuate the cycle. In Haiti, families send restavek children for what seems like a stable life, yet they often enter a form of bondage. Factors like poverty and limited education contribute to modern-day slavery. Grace for Haiti's Children is dedicated to ending trafficking and slavery in Haiti, ensuring every child can experience freedom, hope, and love.

What is the emotional tool?

In the world of restavek, the day starts early for children, toiling from dawn. These modern-day slavery victims engage in tasks such as cleaning bedpans meticulously, and avoiding any traces of waste. They fetch water from wells, grappling with the heavy pails on their way back. Additionally, they prepare breakfast, but even as the family eats, the child continues to serve.

The labor is not just physically draining but emotionally demeaning, burdening young bodies beyond their capacity. Yet, it's not the physical strain that leaves these children fearful and despondent. The true agony lies in the constant reminders that they don't belong, that they are unwelcome, treated as objects to be used and discarded—mere workhorses valued solely for their ability to ease others' lives.

Daily life of a restavek kid?

In the grim world of restavek, the day for these trafficking victims continues beyond exhausting chores. After escorting the family's biological children to school, and carrying their books, they return home to perform tasks that should be reserved for individuals much older and stronger. They serve as the unseen engines of families who fail to recognize their full humanity.

Their duties extend to cooking, washing dishes, eating alone, undertaking responsibilities like laundry and solitary market trips. They also shoulder the weight of caring for the family's small children. Despite their grueling efforts, when the day concludes, they find solace on a cold cement floor, desperate for a few hours of sleep. To summon the strength for yet another day of hardship, they cling to these moments of rest, clinging to the hope that a better tomorrow awaits.