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At Advocate International, we believe education is a tool and a lifeline. Explore stories, videos, and data to help you better understand the realities of modern slavery, including bonded and child labor, and how faith-driven education is creating a path to freedom and hope for the next generation.
Resources
"...In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his glory."
Abuse, marginalization, and misuse of power can be reduced by fostering healthier communities through the development of sound and ethical leaders. In addition to raising an empowered, educated, and ethical generation in the Southeast country where we currently serve, we also aim to cultivate morally, spiritually, and emotionally mature leaders in our local community. Our prayer and aim are that our carefully designed internship program will not only foster future business and church leaders who shine a light in dark places within business and local communities, but also within religious spheres.
For ethical future business and church leaders
Internship Program
We are humbled to launch the first Christian school for this marginalized group in this Southeast Asian country where we currently serve. Some of the students who started school were in their teens but had never been to school. Through the hard work and efforts of our team, all students were academically assessed, and most students were placed in first grade. We provide extra academic time for our students to make up for their lost academic years, hoping that they can catch up with their age group in the community.
A Glimpse of the Inauguration Day of Our First School
During the opening ceremony of our first project*, our founder and president focused on Isaiah 61:3 by encouraging the students to aim high but remain humble, empathizing with the parents that they are seen, heard, and cared for, and challenging the leaders to lead by example by following the perfect example of Jesus and his leadership.
Words of Encouragement on Inauguration Day
It is uncommon for enslaved children to have three meals a day. We are doing everything possible to send our dear children home with full stomachs after school.
A day at the school
During a recent teacher-parent meeting, several parents expressed their joy in sharing the differences they see in their children, including Bible reading at home, showing educational motivation, and gaining confidence. We are grateful for our trained on-the-ground staff, who begin each school day by reading the Bible, participating in a devotion, and reciting the Ten Commandments with our students.
Laborers are paid for every batch of 1,000 bricks that they make, not per hour. Since most families are under heavy debt, typically, the entire family works at the factories to survive and pay back the debt. The ongoing, high inflation rate has made life tougher for this minority group, who was already considered the lowest class and among the ultra-poor of the world.
Wages And Compensation
Examples of Modern Slavery
Bonded slavery is a branch of modern slavery. Our focus is to work closely with an extremely marginalized group in this Southeast Asian country who labor at the kiln factory under severely brutal conditions as enslaved persons. Tragically, it is not uncommon for young girls to be abused. Bonded slavery starts in the form of a debt with a high-interest rate, which accumulates over the years and is often passed to next generations.
Bonded Slavery
According to a report 1 published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the new profit estimates related to forced labor and sexual exploitation have risen by 37%. Another report 2 issued in 2021 revealed that 27.6 million people are subject to forced labor and forced sexual exploitation. These numbers are alarming.
Modern And Forced Labor
Child Labor
Notes: Regional estimates represent data from countries covering at least 50 per cent of the regional population of children aged 5 to 17. Data coverage was insufficient to calculate a global estimate and regional estimates for the regions not shown.
Source: UNICEF global databases, 2024, based on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and other national surveys, 2015-2023.
unicef. (n.d.). Child labour. Unicef for Every Child.
Retrieved: March 13, 2025, from https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/child-labour/
A Global Overview
According to a 2024 report issued by UNICEF, in the world’s poorest countries, 1 in 5 children is enslaved to child labor, with ages ranging between 5 and 17 years old.
Child Labor
Notes: Regional estimates represent data from countries covering at least 50 per cent of the regional population of children aged 5 to 17. Data coverage was insufficient to calculate a global estimate and regional estimates for the regions not shown.
Source: UNICEF global databases, 2024, based on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and other national surveys, 2015-2023.
unicef. (n.d.). Child labour. Unicef for Every Child.
Retrieved: March 13, 2025, from https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/child-labour/
And Gender Disparities
The percentage of boys compared to girls is similar in child labor. However, when comparing gender disparities in the types of labor activities, a UNICEF report shows that girls were more likely to be engaged in unpaid, household services.
FAQs
How much does it cost to provide free education and 1 meal to a child?
Your $38 per month can provide free education, school equipment, and a nourishing meal per day.
How does bonded slavery start?
Lack of education, technical skills, financial resources, as well as discrimination contribute to enslavement.
Are children/minors of enslaved persons victims of abuse?
Yes.
What is the average financial loan per family?
The average loan per family for our students is 207,500 in local currency, i.e., USD 741.00.
How much does a person make per day?
The bonded enslaved are paid per one batch of 1,000 bricks, not per hour or per day.
Can I sponsor a child individually?
Yes, please email us at info@advocateintl.org to learn how you can make an impactful difference in transforming lives and family legacies
How can I receive updates?
Please sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Does the organization plan mission trips?
We intend to organize mission trips in the future.
* For reasons related to security, the specific locations of our school and the names of our team members cannot be revealed at this time. We thank you for your understanding.
1 Annual profits from forced labour amount to US$ 236 billion, ILO report finds. (2025, February 20). International Labour Organization. https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/annual-profits-forced-labour-amount-us-236-billion-ilo-report-finds
2 Forced labour, modern slavery and trafficking in persons. (2025, March 10). International Labour Organization.
https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/forced-labour-modern-slavery-and-trafficking-persons
