Growing up in his village, Khemraj cherishes the memories of his childhood, living with his brother, two sisters and parents. Tragically, his father died when he was very young and his mother passed away when he was just 15. Forced to take on adult responsibilities, Khemraj became the sole provider for himself and his sisters after his older brother abandoned the family.

Unable to afford his mother’s funeral, he borrowed from people in his community and promised to repay them. He worked hard to repay but felt unsettled when he still owed money after five years. Out of desperation, he agreed to a cash advance in exchange for work in a brick kiln and soon discovered that he and his family had become trapped. They worked 18 hours every day to make 1,500 bricks, taking only a brief break for lunch.

“We ate whatever we could in 20 minutes and rushed back to work to keep the clay from drying up,” Khemraj remembers. “If the clay dried up, then the owner would scream at us and abuse us very badly.”

IJM’s local partner, Jai Bhim Vikas Shikshan Sanstham (JBVSS), had been investigating human trafficking at this brick kiln and after collecting evidence of the owner’s misdeeds, they and local authorities intervened. Khemraj’s fading hope for life beyond bondage was revived. He and his family were finally able to leave the brick kiln and begin anew with a bright and hopeful future.

IJM and JBVSS provided them with goats, and through a housing program they received a concrete house where they could make a home. Khemraj’s suffering ended because partners like you cared.

“Freedom to me is that my children and I are peaceful today. I do not have any tension. I can work anywhere,” he proudly states. “Today I am free. My children and I are living happily, working with joy.”