One of Friar Gerard’s new project is called the “Centre de Refuge”. This is a shelter and education centre for the so called “slave children”. The girls of this target group are often abused and when pregnant kicked out on the street. The centre is meant for these girls and their children as a step between their old and their new lives. The girls are given shelter and professional counseling for two to three years. After this time they have to make room for their partners in misfortune and start their own life.
During their stay, the girls get the opportunity to start a little shop. They can make their own goods in the centre in for example the sewing room. When the girls leave the centre they can start building their own lives, assisted by their former mentors. Everything the girls earn during their stay is doubled by the project when they leave. This way they can start their independent live with some money.