The international campaign to do away with “modern” slavery, dubbed Walk for Freedom, this year sees Eastern Cape residents participating for the first time.
The event, which aims to shine a spotlight on the 27million men, women and children who are still trapped in slavery today is organised by A21, a global anti-human trafficking organisation with 12 offices around the world.
Volunteer co-ordinator Siphokazi Mnapu said the purpose of the walk is to eradicate modern-day slavery, a global reality affecting every continent and economic structure.
Mnapu said what distinguished The Walk For Freedom was that it is done in a single-file line of participants dressed in black, with black tape covering their mouths to represent the 27million slaves who have no voice.
As the line moves throughout each city, information about human trafficking is distributed to onlookers.
“The goal of the walk is not to protest, hand out flyers, or to stay fit.
“The goal of the Walk for Freedom is to take a united stance that will turn awareness into action,” said Mnapu.
The programme has also created an education curriculum to educate potential victims of human trafficking in schools, orphanages, and universities. Young people are equipped with information and strategies to avoid becoming victims.
A21 further provides a safe environment for human trafficking survivors and runs restoration programmes at their aftercare facilities. Proceeds from the walk will go towards the rescue houses where victims are looked after and counselled.
The organisation hosted 200 walks in 28 different countries last year and hoped to raise even more funds and awareness. This year is the third annual Walk for Freedom.
The East London walk will be held on October 15 at BMW Autohaus Monti in Berea.
All are welcome to register at various malls and churches in East London, until this Saturday. For more details visit the Facebook page: . — qaqambam@dispatch.co.za
EC in walk against slavery
The event, which aims to shine a spotlight on the 27million men, women and children who are still trapped in slavery today is organised by A21, a global anti-human trafficking organisation with 12 offices around the world.
Volunteer co-ordinator Siphokazi Mnapu said the purpose of the walk is to eradicate modern-day slavery, a global reality affecting every continent and economic structure.
Mnapu said what distinguished The Walk For Freedom was that it is done in a single-file line of participants dressed in black, with black tape covering their mouths to represent the 27million slaves who have no voice.
As the line moves throughout each city, information about human trafficking is distributed to onlookers.
“The goal of the walk is not to protest, hand out flyers, or to stay fit.
“The goal of the Walk for Freedom is to take a united stance that will turn awareness into action,” said Mnapu.
The programme has also created an education curriculum to educate potential victims of human trafficking in schools, orphanages, and universities. Young people are equipped with information and strategies to avoid becoming victims.
A21 further provides a safe environment for human trafficking survivors and runs restoration programmes at their aftercare facilities. Proceeds from the walk will go towards the rescue houses where victims are looked after and counselled.
The organisation hosted 200 walks in 28 different countries last year and hoped to raise even more funds and awareness. This year is the third annual Walk for Freedom.
The East London walk will be held on October 15 at BMW Autohaus Monti in Berea.
All are welcome to register at various malls and churches in East London, until this Saturday. For more details visit the Facebook page: . — qaqambam@dispatch.co.za
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