TheBridge2Hope
FAWCO Foundation 2020 Development Grant Recipient
The FAWCO Foundation grant helped fund TheBridge2Hope Academy program that bridges the gap for sex trafficking survivors in Amsterdam. We are pleased that we succeeded in the execution of the original funding plan, despite the challenges of the coronavirus crisis. The pandemic delayed th
e recruitment of new cohorts and changed the nature of the program because we were unable to meet the participants in the Community Center.
Faced with forced digital transformation during COVID times, we invested in laptops for the participants in order to continue our support remotely (psychosocial support, Dutch lessons, nutrition and sustenance program). We shifted the primary focus to physical and psychological health. The nutrition presentations were conducted on a regular basis via Zoom virtual meetings to help participants understand how food can be used to boost immunity and conserve and improve health.
The very positive side effect, which we did not anticipate, is that we now realize how important it is to prepare participants with computer literacy in order to enable an economically independent life in our digitalized society. With the help of student volunteers from Vrije Universitiet (VU, Amsterdam), all attendants are now able to participate in Zoom meetings, follow lessons online and receive one-on-one support when needed. Participants also enjoy their newly learned skills, like writing emails, searching Google for information, etc., and continue with a regular meeting schedule. As a foundation, we are very pleased that this step turned out so well, and it corroborates our strong belief in this integral bottom-up approach in supporting the survivors. Due to the coronavirus crisis, we have learned new ways to support the survivors, which is invaluable to extending and professionalizing our organization.
Unraveling the Mars Mystery: An Interview with the Former Crew Biologist for the Mars Mission, Anushree Srivastava
Pursuing a career in a STEM field paid off for Anushree Srivastava by taking her to tryuly uncharted ground. Check out the interview by Education Team member Devinder Buttar and be inspired!
