In a collective effort to combat the alarming issue of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (HTMS), Global Africans Against Slavery (GLAAS) and Kinara Park Kids are once again teaming up for their Virtual African Storytelling Series. This timely initiative aims to raise awareness and protect the rights of trafficked victims by educating children between the ages of 6 to 12.
The GLAAS Virtual African Storytelling sessions on HTMS are meticulously designed to shed light on the problem of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in African society and the world at large. These storytelling sessions aim to create an open platform for discussions and enable the sensitization of children, thereby enhancing their understanding and capacity to combat this critical issue. The stories will be presented in a captivating manner, encouraging intense discussions among the children, event moderators, and storytellers.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30th, emphasizing the need to address this grave global concern. With the virtual storytelling sessions scheduled for November 12th, 2023, GLAAS and Kinara Park Kids are taking practical steps to sensitize African children to the dangers posed by traffickers.
“We believe that the first and most successful place to end Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling is on our own DOORSTEPS and that the sensitization of all people on the antics and ploys of traffickers to lure innocent victims to destinations where they can have the power to inhibit their freedom is of great importance and the inspiration powering this virtual storytelling session.” Mama Imahkus the founder of One Africa Resort Ghana and the advisory board chairperson of GLAAS, articulated the significance of the initiative.
Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling have become the third-largest criminal industry globally, following drugs and arms trafficking. Shockingly, nearly one-third of human trafficking victims are estimated to be children, emphasizing the urgency of educating young minds about this issue.
The virtual storytelling event will be led by distinguished African performing artists, including Ken Nyamweya, also known as “The Storyteller,” Wangs, Mila Zetu, all hailing from Kenya, and Noni Ervin of the Kinara Park Kids.
Queen Mother Obaapa Awindor, Founder of Obaapa Development Foundation Chairperson of GLAAS, emphasized the power of storytelling as an educational tool. “Storytelling is an art, an art that entertains and informs the listeners at the same time, and we are aiming to use the monthly virtual event to instill and transfer knowledge to the younger generation. Stories do things to people; we know that things happen to people when they hear intriguing stories; talking and listening allow people to share and learn from each other.” She stated.
This collaboration between GLAAS and Kinara Park Kids represents a vital step toward safeguarding children from the dangers of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling. The power of storytelling to inform and educate is harnessed by GLAAS to empower the younger generation, ensuring they are well-equipped to make informed decisions and contribute to ending these grave crimes.
On November 12th, 2023, the world will witness the coming together of African storytellers, children, and advocates in a united effort to combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, one story at a time.
