Meet Cindy, Teacher at Starfish Project

When a woman leaves a brothel and arrives at Starfish Project, she may not be able to read basic street signs or do basic math to buy groceries. Last week, we shared about our programs designed to help exploited women Establish Independence. Going through our Literacy Program with Cindy enables each woman to establish real independence.

Each course is divided into three levels of difficulty. The classes take place at Starfish Project Headquarters and take place every day in the afternoons and last one to two hours, depending on the class.

“Every class is different, and tailored to the needs of the women in that class,” Cindy shared. “I push them to try to do their best, while always keeping their background story in mind. The majority of them did not even finish elementary school, and they have lived under extreme conditions. We assess their level of literacy and evaluate what she needs to focus more on. Many of the women at Starfish did not even get a primary education.”

“I am not the only one teaching the women. They help each other! Those who are more advanced help the ones that are just beginning. It is great to see how they help each other,” Cindy explains. “Seeing the progress other woman make is a great source of encouragement for the new ones. This is one of the things that makes Starfish Project such an inspirational place to all of us.”

Cindy describes her relationship with the women at Starfish Project as “sincere and natural.” She worked alongside them in jewelry production for over three years before she began as our Teacher. Because she has invested in her working relationship with the women on a daily basis, they trust her to teach them the basic skills in our Literacy program.

“I am not the only one teaching the women. They help each other! Those who are more advanced help the ones that are just beginning. It is great to see how they help each other,” Cindy explains. “Seeing the progress other woman make is a great source of encouragement for the new ones. This is one of the things that makes Starfish Project such an inspirational place to all of us.”

Cindy describes her relationship with the women at Starfish Project as “sincere and natural.” She worked alongside them in jewelry production for over three years before she began as our Teacher. Because she has invested in her working relationship with the women on a daily basis, they trust her to teach them the basic skills in our Literacy program.

Becoming their teacher has changed Cindy’s life, too.

“I thought I was teaching them, but they have taught me even more,” Cindy said. “It is inspiring to see them become happy and sure of themselves. We see how these women, given the right tools, time and love, can accomplish amazing things – they have skyrocketed!”

You can join Cindy in helping the women at Starfish Project establish independence. When you purchase jewelry, your purchase supports women as they go through literacy class. Thank you for supporting women as they establish independence.