When the New York Times journalist found Mark in October 2006
this 4-yr old little boy told the plight of his story through his eyes. In
this one picture there is a feeling that all hope is lost. Mark
had been sold by his mother for $25 ($US) to a fisherman in northern
Ghana.
Mark at age 4yrs - October 2006
Mark working as a slave for a fisherman - October 2006
The
fisherman who bought Mark could only afford to pay for a small little
boy.
Even so, Mark was expected to work 12 hour days untangling fishing
nets by diving into the deep waters, oftentimes in the pitch black of
night and the dangers of drowning. With only one meal served to him a
day and nominal hours of sleep, Mark
survived to be rescued by Touch A Life's founder, Pam Cope. She
purchased his freedom along with six others for $500 per child.
Pam had seen Mark's picture on the front page of The New York Times on
that fateful day in October 2006 and moved to find this little one and
to free him.
After
Mark and the six other children were rescued by Touch A Life Foundation
the Village of Hope orphanage agreed to open their doors to these seven
children. Now living at the orphanage, these children have a hopeful
future. They are cared for, given meals three times a day, have safe
shelter and are enrolled in school.
Mark at Children's Art Village Art & Music Camp - Summer 2008
Mark - January 2008
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Learn About Child Slavery in Ghana
Children's Art Village, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
