As survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence recover, they often encounter significant financial instability. Eleison recognizes the importance of empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and cultivate resilience. In response to this commitment, we developed Barug, a two-year matched savings and economic empowerment program designed to address the financial vulnerabilities of survivors and their families.
In September, we launched the tenth cohort of our Barug program. Barug is from the Cebuano language, which means “to strongly stand up,” representing how the program supports survivors and their families in developing greater financial stability. The program comprises three components:
- Matched savings program: For each amount participants save during the program, their savings are matched at a 1:1 ratio. The accumulated matched funds can be used for education, medical care, family and personal emergencies, housing repairs, and employment-related expenses.
- Financial literacy training (FLT) course: This three-month skills-building course covers savings, budgeting, debt management, financial negotiation with family members and peers, and emotional wellness and self-care. The FLT sessions include both group activities and individual financial counseling sessions with Eleison staff.
- Individual and group support sessions: In the individual sessions, participants revisit their goals, discuss their progress towards achieving them, celebrate their successes, and brainstorm solutions. In the group sessions, participants share their successes and challenges in achieving their goals, learn from their peers, and benefit from a supportive community.
During the second year, participants receive individualized financial counseling and assistance using their matched savings. By providing survivors access to these resources, we help them build the skills, knowledge, and financial stability necessary for long-term success.
Since its inception, Barug has brought positive change to the lives of survivors and their families. In our prior research on the impact of Barug, participants reported successfully learning how to save money, prevent debts, establish financial boundaries with family members, and feel more confident about their future. A previous Barug participant shared their experience about the program’s effectiveness:
“Barug has greatly impacted my life because I learned the value of money. I now understand the importance of saving and having a clear goal for my savings rather than buying something I don’t need. Barug helped me become financially wise and responsible through its effective budgeting techniques. I am now confident in answering questions about where my money is going. Before, I only saved when I felt like it, but now I understand that even small amounts can add up over time and that you don’t necessarily need to save a huge amount of money.”
We believe every survivor has the right to live a life free from violence and exploitation, and we are committed to supporting them in their journey toward healing and recovery. Through programs like Barug, we hope to empower survivors and their families to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future for themselves.
Learn more about Barug from our prior evaluation. If you’re interested in Barug, contact us at info@eleisonfoundation.org or message us here.
