Senior learners from Umbogintwini Primary School were fortunate enough to learn about cyber safety, human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) during a recent workshop held by the Sparrow Trust.
A counter-human trafficking organisation based in Amanzimtoti, the trust aims to educate leaders, and vulnerable young people, on how to mentally equip themselves in a rapidly advancing online world filled with unscrupulous characters. Estelle van Eeden of Sparrow Trust said the trust has doubled their efforts to reach more schools by partnering with the Amanzimtoti Community Policing Forum (CPF) team, who also aid in identifying specific challenges youth face online. “It was a privilege to reach a new group of Grade 6 and 7 learners with crucial personal safety information. Thank you to the teachers for identifying the need and giving our CPF team a warm welcome. We plan on doing the same for three more schools come next week.” On 23 June, the trust will host a Human Trafficking Prevention Workshop at Sweetwaters Church in Winkelspruit, from 9am to 3pm. Van Eeden encouraged all community leaders and professionals to attend. “We invite those in public service, who provide victim support services, community development practitioners and leaders in our community to attend this capacity-building workshop. The aim is to empower those on the front-lines and those who have influence in our community to be equipped to identify and understand reporting procedures for suspected cases of trafficking in persons.” Registration is free and essential by 5 June, to book your seat contact Estelle on 082-263-9710 or email hope@sparrowtrust.co.za to find out more about their work or how your school can be involved.
