Discussion Guide for
Child Brides A f t e r v ie w in g “ C hild B r ides,” use this guide to research the practice of families selling their young daughters into marriage, reflect on how the video impacted you, recall what you learned, respond in tangible ways, reach out with life-changing help, resolve to follow God’s Word, and rely on His goodness and power.
Research »
In most parts of the world, the practice of girls marrying before the age of
14 (the technical definition of “child marriage”) has been outlawed. But it still occurs in many countries.
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Eac h day, 3,500 gir ls will mar ry before reaching their fifteenth birthdays.
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The t o ta l number o f child br ides is expected to reach up to 100
Another 21,000 girls under the age of 18 marry each day. (Source: “Child Marriage in the Context of the HIV Epidemic,” Promoting Healthy, Safe, and Productive Transitions to Adulthood Brief no. 11)
million within the next decade. Already, 51 million girls in the developing world have been married before legal adulthood (age 18). (Source: International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), “Seeking Policy Solutions,” Too Young to Wed: Education and Action Toward Ending Child Marriage) PA G E 1 O F 5
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I n A f gha n istan, the setting of this documentary, the Ministry of Women’s
B e in g f o r ced t o mar ry too young can hurt girls in many ways. Child brides
are forced to leave school and lose the chance of an education. Becoming sexually active at such young ages exposes the girls to potential injury and infection. Bearing children before the girls are mentally, emotionally, and physically ready exposes them and their children to serious health problems. In fact, babies born to adolescent mothers are twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to infants of older women.
Affairs reports that almost 60 percent of girls are married before the age of 16. In rural areas, the average age is 11 or 12.
Reflect » » »
Why do y o u t hink families continue to sell their young daughters even
when it is against the law?
H o w do e s being fo r ced to marry at a young age affect a girl’s future? H o w hav e t he y ear s of war affected innocent families in Afghanistan?
Recall » »
What c ir cumstances can lead a family to sell their young daughter into
marriage? H o w ha s Wo r ld Visio n begun to make a difference for young girls in
Afghanistan?
Respond » »
Dis c us s how development in the community would make a difference in girls’ lives. We s aw in t he v ideo how the opportunity to get an education makes a
difference in the lives of girls in Afghanistan. How has education made a difference in your life?
PA G E 2 O F 5
Reach Out Consider making a difference in the following ways:
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P r ay da ily for girls and women living in Afghanistan and other countries where
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Sp o ns o r a child through World Vision. For about a dollar a day, you’ll help
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D o n at e it ems from the World Vision Gift Catalog to help communities with
they are denied education and rights and are forced to marry at a young age. Pray that God will strengthen and provide for them.
provide your sponsored child with access to critical basics such as clean water, improved nutrition, healthcare, and education. Your gifts will help make a world of difference for one child and his or her family and community. For sponsorship information, visit www.worldvisionresources.com.
development projects that will benefit their children for generations to come. Gifts include items such as goats, mother and child healthcare, small business loans, fruit trees, school fees, and even bicycles to help children get to school. Consider asking family and friends to donate items instead of buying gifts for you or each other. Visit www.worldvisionresources.com and click on “programs and events” for more information.
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B e c o m e e d ucat ed about child brides so that you can advocate on behalf of
programs that will empower communities to break the cycle of child marriage.
Resolve »
I t is f o r f r eedo m that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
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yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. —Galatians 5:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. —Psalm 40:1-2
PA G E 3 O F 5
Rely P r ay t h at:
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F unding and o t her r eso ur ces necessary to feed and educate young girls
and their families will be readily available. G o d w o uld co nt inue using community leaders to educate people about the
physical and mental dangers for child brides. P e ace a n d stabilit y would take hold in the country of Afghanistan.
The Scripture in this resource is from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. During the preparation of this resource, all citations, facts, figures, Internet URLs, and other cited information were verified for accuracy. World Vision Resources has made every attempt to reference current and valid sources, but we cannot guarantee the content of any source and we are not responsible for any changes that may have occurred since our verification. If you find an error in, or have a question or concern about, any of the information or sources listed within, please contact World Vision Resources. Copyright © 2011 World Vision, Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716, wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved.
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About World Vision W o r l d V is io n is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique: We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.worldvision.org.
About World Vision Resources E nding gl o bal po v ert y and injustice begins with education: understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world.
World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision. World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world.
For more information about our resources, contact: World Vision Resources Mail Stop 321 P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 Fax: 253-815-3340 wvresources@worldvision.org www.worldvisionresources.com
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