Home-grown international aid charity KATKiDS is hosting a special film screening on Thursday to raise funds for the victims of sex trafficking in Nepal.

Proceeds from the first local showing of SOLD, which depicts the story of a young girl sex trafficked to India, have been earmarked for Nepali rescue and rehabilitation organisation Asha Nepal.

“Attending the film SOLD at the BUEI is one small but immediate and tangible way we in Bermuda can support the recovery of sex trafficked victims,” KATKiDS chair Jennie Lee O’Donnell said.

“As a 100 per cent voluntary organisation, the proceeds from KATKiDS’s event will go directly to support Asha Nepal’s important work in Kathmandu.”

The event will also feature a special introduction by Governor John Rankin and Nepali scarves and jewellery will be for sale.

According to the United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report 2016, Nepal is a major “source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking”, with those living in areas affected by the 2015 earthquake especially vulnerable to trafficking.

Non-governmental organisation Asha Nepal works to combat the legacy associated with sex trafficking and to assist young women and girls to reintegrate into society. Based in Kathmandu, it has about 100 children in its care, mostly girls aged 6 to 18 years as well as some of their mothers.

KATKiDS started supporting the charity in 2014 and has since visited its projects annually. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Girl’s Skills, Education and Economic Empowerment Centre, which supports girls aged 14 to 18 who want to return to school after being rescued from trafficking but have been rejected by their family or community. Residents study at a local learning centre that specialises in teaching both older students and those from abusive backgrounds. Aside from formal education, activities at the Girls’ SEE Centre include counselling, therapeutic care, healthcare and communal activities.

• The film starts at 6.30pm. Tickets cost $25 for non-members, $20 for members and $10 for students and can be purchased at the BUEI gift shop or at the door. For more information, visit buei.bm or call 294-0204.