Good Girls Cooperative Pastry Project

The Good Girls Pastry Project seeks to address the high level of young girls living in Paynesville City, Montserrado County, who are using prostitution as a means of earning a livelihood. The project will train 100 girls in pastry, small business management, etc. within a period of 6 months.

At the of this time a pastry business will be registered with a selection of 10 girls made from amongst the group. These 10 girls will eventually take over the management aspect of the cooperative with close supervision. Pastry products will be made available to customers wich will include the general public, UN Agencies; Government Ministries & Agencies, etc.

NAYA conducted a survey in November 2010 and found out that a significant number of these girls (aged 15 to 32) are willing to seek other livelihood alternatives like pastry; soap-making; tie & dye; etc. instead of prostitution if the provision is made by Government, NGOs, INGOs, etc. Most of them blamed their status on poverty.

Addressing the plight of these girls will not only improve their lives but also reduce the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS.