Aminata is ten years old. In March 2000 she was found under a public bench in Libreville, Gabon's capital. Her legs showed fresh scars from a recent beating. Thousands of miles from her home in Togo, she was clearly terrified and bewildered. She was taken to Centre d'Accueil, a centre run by volunteers, and slowly her story began to unfold.

Aminata had been living with her family when a woman called Fatima visited their home. Arrangements were made and Aminata left with the woman. It was the start of a long journey, first by car and then by boat. Once in Libreville she was forced to sell cakes on the street. Her 'employer' took all her earnings and left her with nothing.

After Aminata had been rescued and brought to the Centre d'Accueil, she was visibly traumatised. As with many children whose lives have been controlled by their employers, it has taken time for her to adapt to the freedom and safety of the rehabilitation centre.