10 July 2024
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka are just some of the football players who are going to face the Netherlands tonight in the semi-final of the Euros 2024.
Even if you couldn't care less about football, you’ve probably heard their names.
But today, we’d like to introduce you to a footballer you don’t know: his name is Gerald*.
Gerald dreams of becoming a professional footballer in Ghana. But for two years, Gerald’s dream of playing football seemed unreachable.
When Gerald was 14 years old, he was trafficked to Lake Volta to work in Ghana’s fishing industry.
For the next two years, Gerald was physically abused and deprived of food – causing him to develop a stomach ulcer.
After years of exploitation and abuse, Gerald bravely decided to escape. He was determined to find his way back to his mother.
Gerald’s mum remembers her shock at seeing her 16-year-old son, who now weighed less than 30kg (5 stone): “It was not easy. The child became very sick.”
Gerald was finally free, but he couldn’t forget the other children who were still forced to work in the fishing industry. Together with his mother, Gerald went to the police.
Thanks to Gerald's courage, the police, supported by IJM, were able to bring 10 more children to safety.
Today, thanks to IJM’s aftercare support, Gerald has regained his health and strength. He’s one step closer to fulfilling his dream, playing for his local football club.
Tonight, many people are hoping to celebrate England’s victory in the semi-final. But even greater cause for celebration, regardless of which team you’re supporting, is Gerald’s freedom and inspiring courage.
*Pseudonym. To protect his identity, Gerald* has been photographed from behind.