Mina was only 14 years old when her aunt visited one day. The aunt spoke with Mina's mother and talked about opportunities for Mina to join the circus in India. Both of Mina's parents were illiterate. Mina, however, had learned to read and gained some life skills as a GATE participant in Makawanpur District.

Though Mina wanted to continue with the GATE classes, she had to go with her aunt because her mother needed the money and she trusted her sister. She was not the only one compelled to go to India-another girl, Beli Maya, also went with her. On the way, Mina talked about her GATE class and all that she had learned. Beli Maya listened to Mina with great interest.

On their way to India when they reached the border, they were stopped at a checkpoint in Adhawar. As police started asking questions, Mina remembered what her literacy teacher had taught her-in this kind of situation one should tell the truth, not what someone else has told you to say. Mina remembered what she learned in one of the GATE trafficking series, titled "Bishwas"  ("Truth") The course teaches that relatives can sometimes deceive you for money. They can lure your parents and you, take you to another city or country and sell you to a brothel. Mina told the police that her aunt was taking them to India to work in the circus. When she started telling the truth to the police, Mina's aunt ran away.

The police informed Mina that her aunt was taking her and Beli Maya to sell them to a brothel. The girls were put on a bus and sent back to their homes. When they reached home, Mina described what had happened. After hearing the story, her mother began to cry; not tears of sadness but of happiness. Her mother praised Mina's ability to make a good decision at the right moment. Then Mina's mother promised that she would not make the same mistake again.

Mina is now studying in primary school in class five-a school she probably would not have attended without participating in a GATE class first. GATE facilitators encourage girls to go on to formal schooling to complete their education. Mina is now a great advocate for the GATE Program. She tells people that she was saved from being sold because of the GATE class.

Source: worlded.org