In honour of World Day Against Trafficking on 30th July, we hosted a series of sessions throughout July at a women's shelter to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide a safe space for healing. Participants engaged in role-playing, video presentations, a lighthearted game session, and a poster-making activity. The activities aimed to empower participants and encourage creativity while addressing the theme "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking."
Week 1 Role-Play
We started with a Role Play session to raise awareness about human trafficking. Based on their own personal experiences, participants portrayed their understanding of human trafficking scenarios, expressing their emotions and frustrations.
In the process they were able to better understand and empathise with each other; although each had different experiences and came from vastly different backgrounds, they were all victims of the same heinous exploitation.
Some found it challenging to focus due to pending court appearances, a situation we faced almost every week.
Week 2 Awareness
This week, our focus was on raising social awareness through a video presentation and group discussions. The ultimate aim was to encourage active participation, exchange of ideas and opinions, and to provide a feedback channel for the programme participants. We also saw a significant increase in the number of participants, nearly tripling to 38.
We showed a video depicting human trafficking situations that resonated with many participants, and our team was prepared to support them. However, the ensuing discussions lacked engagement, and we understand the sensitivity of the topic.
Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkULxScK7xU
Week 3 Snakes & Ladders
On Week 3, the program participants were dealing with high emotions due to trauma and ongoing court proceedings. To alleviate the stress, the facilitators organized a light-hearted session by introducing a game of Snakes and Ladders, themed around migrant workers' rights. The game served as an educational tool, but also provided a fun experience for the participants. They were divided into groups, with each group having a facilitator to guide them through the game. Similar to the traditional game, their progress was determined by answering questions, and their responses dictated whether they climbed a ladder or slid down a snake. The facilitators were on hand to explain the questions and answers, ensuring clarity and understanding. The participants greatly enjoyed the game, evidenced by their laughter and excitement throughout the afternoon. The session successfully achieved its goal of providing a light and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Week 4 Poster Making Activity
This week’s activity aimed to encourage expression and creativity through visual design. The objective was to help program participants incorporate their personalities and perspectives into their designs, using color, design, and typography to better convey their thoughts visually. Some very thoughtful and moving works of art were produced. One group shared their picture of the sea and sunset, which reminded them of their perilous journey by boat. Despite the challenging journey, this scene brought a sense of peace to them. This activity served as both a channel of expression and a form of emotional release as they poured their hearts into their artwork. The theme for this activity was the 2024 theme for this year’s Anti-Trafficking Day campaign – "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking."
It was a poignant moment when we wrapped up each session with a time of quiet reflection. Picture this: participants sitting in a circle in silence, encouraged to reflect on their personal situation, as well as that of their fellow housemates, the dedicated staff caring for them, law enforcement, prosecutors, and hardworking lawyers who are tirelessly seeking the justice they so rightly deserve. Their thoughts also extended to the hope that their cases could be resolved without any unnecessary delays, and that their families, especially the children they had to leave behind, were safe and healthy. Above all, they reflected on the importance of sustaining trust and hope, yearning for the day when they could be reunited with their families.
This grounding exercise was a profoundly significant way to soothe their spirits and alleviate the pain of being away from home, the heartache of missed employment opportunities, and the exasperation of an arduous legal process. Moreover, it granted them a glimmer of inner strength, assuring them that they can persevere and overcome their challenges, ultimately reuniting with their loved ones soon.
#EndHumanTrafficking