African families are often portrayed as large, loving, and extended groups that support members who lapse or need help. This is not the picture that emerges from trafficking. Often the first contact comes from a school friend, who is recruited by the traffickers to gain the confidence of the victim. The fact that recruiters are starting to move into schools horrifies but does not surprise educators. The quality of education in Nigeria fell sharply during the years of military rule, and teachers find it difficult to keep girl students from dropping out.
Education is also expensive for poor families.
They have to buy pencils, uniforms, sandals, and books. Prostitution can seem very attractive. The insidious appeal of travel to Europe only makes it harder. Together, they are emerging as an effective force against trafficking and taking the fight into schools and even families. AWEG came into existence in March 1995 and made its mark a year later when it organized a meeting for 5,000 women.