Walk through Blue Lagoon to end human trafficking
Hosting the walk is one of the organisation's ways of taking a more proactive approach to creating awareness about human trafficking; enabling vulnerable groups to understand more about it.
NON-PROFIT organisation, Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre (UCEC), has for over two decades helped men, women and children who are victims of human trafficking – through its various initiatives.
To raise funds to support these initiatives and to create awareness on human trafficking, the centre will hold its Stop Human Trafficking Walk for Freedom walk at Blue Lagoon, near Green Corridors, on October 7, starting at 08:00.
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Speaking about the walk, Gloria DeGee, who is the co-founder of UCEC, said it was the tenth walk for UCEC. She said that the City and various sponsors, such as service clubs, non-profit and non-government organisations and businesses were involved.
“This isn’t just a walk. People often hear the term human trafficking but are unaware of the broader picture. We will also have a programme after the walk where a woman will share her story of how she was trafficked. It’s important to share these stories so others don’t fall into the same trap,” said DeGee.
“There is so much that’s needed to support those who have managed to escape from the grips of human trafficking. They need shelter, counselling, skills development, clothing and also rehabilitation because nine times out of 10, drugs are also involved,” she added.
One of the initiatives that the centre runs is Shiloh House Crisis Centre – a home for women and children seeking refuge, which is made possible through a fundraiser called Hope Lives Here.
“They provide support and counselling services while serving as a safe haven for beneficiaries to deal with their circumstances while living a dignified life,” she said.
This is a temporary solution for the victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking until they are able to find a sustainable way of life.
“Our work with creating awareness does not only start and stop with this initiative and our annual walk. We also visit schools and speak to learners who are about to finish school and seek job opportunities. Places of safety and orphanages are also visited. Here we speak to children who are about to turn 18 and exit from these facilities,” she said.
Also involved with the walk is Disaster Relief Support, managed by Elham Hatfield of Durban North, who assists UCEC with donations of food and clothes.
“I met Gloria last year as I wanted to hold a walk much like the Stop Human Trafficking Walk for Freedom walk for gender-based violence awareness. Since then, we have been working together and collaborating on various projects. I am now assisting with the walk, as well,” said Hatfield.
She is also encouraging the community to support the event.
Tickets for the walk cost R100 and can be purchased via Webtickets. Tickets will also be sold on October 5 and 6 at Blue Lagoon between 09:30 and 15:00.
After the event, fitness classes, a mini market, talks and a kids’ zone will be available for supporters to enjoy.
For more information, email gloria@ucec.org.za.
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