An 18-year-old girl has safeguarded her friend from exploitation and modern slavery following training from Hope for Justice.
Meskerem Abate, from the Hadiya Zone in Ethiopia, said she was quick to identify the possible risks of human trafficking.
Her friend, a 17-year-old girl, had shared her intention to drop out of school and illegally migrate to another country because of her difficult home environment. Out of desperation, she was planning to contact illegal brokers to help her leave the country.
Meskerem, who is a committed member of her school Child Wellbeing Club, which is run by Hope for Justice, immediately recognised the potential risks associated with this decision.
She told us: “When I learned about this, I made an immediate decision to talk to her and her parents, urgently explaining the risks and guiding them through the decision-making process. Through these efforts, I was able to save one life from exploitation and modern slavery.”
Putting training into practice
Using the knowledge and training she had received from our team, Meskerem courageously approached her friend, explaining the dangers of illegal migration and risks of exploitation.
Meskerem continued: “I am deeply grateful for the training provided by Hope for Justice because it equipped me with the awareness needed to make a difference.”
Child Wellbeing Clubs
Our Child Wellbeing Clubs have been set up in dozens of schools across Ethiopia where human trafficking is most prevalent. Each school has two clubs, with about 60 pupils between them. The clubs reach thousands of children with information about modern slavery every year.
Girls walking to school. Image, stock
A member of our team said: “Meskerem demonstrated exceptional awareness and bravery by intervening in a situation that might have otherwise led to a case of human trafficking.
“Her advice was thorough and empathetic; she highlighted that, without legal protections, her friend could fall victim to exploitative labour practices or modern slavery. Instead, she encouraged her friend to remain with her family and pursue her education.
“Meskerem then went a step further in helping her friend. Recognising the underlying family issues she was facing, she bravely met with her friend’s parents and encouraged them to reflect on their relationship with their daughter. Her courage and maturity resulted in them listening to her concerns and expressing gratitude. This approach left her friend feeling safer and more supported at home.”
Making a profound impact
This young teenager’s actions are a testament to the training she received through the Child Wellbeing Club. The knowledge and courage she displayed reflect the Club’s mission to empower young people to become protectors and advocates within their communities. By providing members with an understanding of modern slavery, trafficking risks, and preventative strategies, our Child Wellbeing Clubs have become powerful agents in the fight against exploitation.
A representative from Meskerem’s Child Wellbeing Club said: “We are incredibly proud to see one of our members make such a profound impact. Meskerem’s bravery and proactive approach have ensured her friend is safe from the dangers of modern slavery and exploitation.”
Ashenafi Letebo, Regional MEAL Officer at Hope for Justice, said: “Child Wellbeing Clubs are becoming safe havens where young people are empowered to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within their communities.”
