Our partners continue to serve families in brick kiln communities in South Asia through six faith-based sewing centers and eleven adult literacy groups. These community development programs provide sustainable skills that help families escape fear of generational debt and modern-day slavery.
Last year, six families who completed both the sewing and literacy programs each received a goat as part of the livelihood support initiative. Within just one year, these families sold goat offspring and collectively paid off 31% of their debt. One family—empowered by a women who learned sewing—paid off an incredible 46% of their debt through a combination of savings and income from sewing and livestock.
Aftab and Maheen’s Story: From Bonded Labor to Financial Freedom
Aftab and Maheen lived in one of South Asia’s many brick kiln villages, trapped in a cycle of bonded labor inherited from previous generations debt. Aftab had taken on his father’s crippling loan, and despite long, grueling hours making bricks by hand, the family could never get ahead. Their children—ages 10 and 8—couldn’t attend school due to the family’s financial struggles.
They were living in what many call modern-day slavery—a system of exploitation fueled by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of opportunity.
In 2022, Maheen discovered Naya Raasta’s Christian adult literacy program and women’s sewing center in their village. Desperate for hope, she enrolled—determined to learn the skills that could set her family free.
First, she learned to read and write in her own language. Then she joined the sewing program, where she quickly became one of the most skilled trainees. With her new abilities, she began earning income by sewing clothes for her neighbors and nearby villagers.
Aftab, inspired by Maheen’s transformation, joined the men’s literacy class himself. He not only began reading but also engaged deeply with the Bible stories shared in class—where he encountered a God who saw his pain and offered real hope.
Livelihood + Literacy = Real Change
As part of our partner’s holistic economic development strategy, the Naya Raasta team recognized the family’s potential and gifted them a goat through our Christian livelihood initiative. The goat soon had two offspring, which the family sold for income. Combined with Maheen’s sewing work, this helped them pay off 46% of their debt—something they once thought impossible.
Most importantly, both Aftab and Maheen gave their lives to Jesus and were secretly baptized in their local house church fellowship. Their children now attend a children’s Bible program, learning about God’s love and Biblical values—and dreaming of returning to school once the family is debt-free.
From Poverty to Purpose
Aftab now says, “I used to think there was no future for us. Now I see God is leading us step by step out of darkness into His light.”
Their story is one of many showing how our partners and their mission, as well as compassionate donors are multiplying the Gospel through their investment of time, resources, finances and commitment to the Lord. By this time next year, Aftab and Maheen hope to be completely debt-free—and are already encouraging others in their community that change is possible.
