When children and families are ‘owned’ by another person, it is called slavery. These people are forced to work for the 'slave owner', doing whatever they are told to do. Human slavery used to be allowed, but it is now illegal all over the world.

But, even though it’s illegal, there are more people trapped in slavery today than ever before.

At IJM, we think we should do something to help families and children who are trapped in slavery. We think it’s so sad and wrong that children can’t go to school, or have access to medical care, or have freedom to play.

Did you know that whether you are big or small, loud or quiet, your voice can be powerful and can make a difference?

YOU are invited to join us in using your voice to bring freedom!

Step 1: Choose which region you would like to write to a child in:

• Ghana (where Esther lives)
• South Asia (where Mallesh lives)

Step 2: You can download the image below to write your note onto (if you don’t have a printer you can just use some plain paper).

Step 3: Write your letter/postcard of hope.

Here are some things that you might want to include:

• Start by sharing your name, age, where you live and any other details about yourself you would like to include. You could include a photo.
• You could tell them about your favourite game, and perhaps explain how you play it.
• You could ask them what their names is, how old they are, and what they like doing?
• You could say that you are praying for them, and write down some of your prayers. You could even share some Bible verses with them.
• You could draw a picture for them.

Step 4: post your letter to the following address:

IJM UK

PO Box 78942

London

SE11 9EB

On your letter, please mark which country you would like the letter to go to, and indicate if you are happy for the letter to be shared on IJM public sites.