Pursuing my impossible dream: Gina's story

BY GINA REROMA GAOGAO

Gina’s story shows how human traffickers exploit the vulnerable, but that with help and support, it is possible to follow your dreams.

My name is Gina Reroma Gaogao. I am a proud member of the Subanen Tribe of Barangay Trigos, Ozamiz City in the Philippines. I write, not just as a mother, a wife or a professional. I am a woman who has survived hardship, injustice and human trafficking, and I have become a stronger person through faith and perseverance. I want to share my story to help other people.

Denied an education

As the eldest of 14 siblings, I learned responsibility at a very young age. At five years old, I was already waking up before sunrise to prepare food for my brothers and sisters so I could still attend school. Life was difficult, and because we were poor, I was forced to stop studying. I worked as a housemaid, hoping to save for my education, but even my small salary was taken. I felt trapped in a life with no direction. 

I worked in several houses enduring exhaustion, hunger and emotional distress.

In time, I got married and started a simple life with my husband. But even then, I continued to dream of giving my family a better future. This led me to work abroad, hoping for the good salary that the recruiter had promised. But when I arrived, I discovered the painful truth: a low salary, heavier workload and conditions that violated my dignity. I worked in several houses enduring exhaustion, hunger and emotional distress. Even after my two-year contract ended, I was still forced to stay for four more months. I didn’t know then that I was a victim of human trafficking.

Second chances

Gina worked hard for more than eight years to achieve what she thought was an impossible dream.

By God’s grace, someone helped me return home. When I came back, I paid all my debts, completed our home and most importantly, I rebuilt my life. I then came into contact with The Salvation Army’s Community Awareness and Recovery Project (CAR Project). Through the CAR project’s livelihood program, and in conjunction with government programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Tertiary Educational Subsidy (TES), One Family One Professional (OFOP) and Indigenous People Educational Assistance (IPEA), I was given a chance to pursue my most impossible dream: to finish college.

It took me eight long years because of curriculum changes and many challenges. But I never gave up. And today, I proudly say that I am now a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. A professional who once thought she had no future!

I was given a chance to pursue my most impossible dream – to finish college.

My journey has taught me that no trial is too heavy when you put your trust in God. He will always send instruments in the form of people who lift you up, programs that support you, and he will give you the strength you never thought you had.

To all survivors of human trafficking, this is my message: Do not surrender. You are not alone. Protect yourself. Stand up and believe that you deserve dignity, respect and a future filled with hope.

Gina holds a BSc Social Work. She is a survivor of human trafficking and a contributor focused on education and prevention.

To find out more about how The Salvation Army is tackling modern slavery and human trafficking, click on this link.

This story is courtesy All the World.