Great work by Hustlebucks promoting Youth for Freedom alongside their new fashion collection in Brixton Village tonight.
Friday 14 November 2014
Tuesday 13 May 2014
Films we have been watching
Here are some films to remind you about the harsh realities of human trafficking and why we need to keep our campaigning work alive and active
Check out this one minute animation to see some of the scary facts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4ztDU-yr74
Thursday 24 April 2014
Thursday 3 April 2014
So far, so good!
Since our return from Bulgaria, myself and Frankie have been delivering workshops trying to raise awareness about human trafficking.
We have delivered 2 presentations within cadets, and 1 in the local school and everything looks promising.
Also, we're on the first page of VPC:
http://www.nationalvpc.org
Check it out
Monday 24 March 2014
The voice of the participants..
"I thought the project opened my eyes to how big of an issue human trafficking was it allowed me to understand the different types of trafficking and the affects they have. The project also taught me how to make a successful campaign and how to get people behind your idea and what you want to do. Aswell as all this I had a lot of fun and met some great people" - Frankie Cenci, Volunteer Police Cadets
"On this project I had an opportunity to build self confidence in organising my own campaign and to develop a lifetime of international friendships. The project helps me to improve my team working skills and to break the stereotypes. Now I am more determined to do my own campaign and to help people to be more aware of human trafficking. I've learned how to recognize and protect vulnerable people. The project helps me to open my eyes about this issue and after this experience I am ready to take part in solving this worldwide problem.
На този проект имах възможността да изградя увереност в организирането на моя собствена кампания и да създам нови приятелства от цял свят. Проектът ми помогна да подобря уменията си за работа в екип и да разруша стереотипите. Научих се как да рапозная и да защитя уязвимите групи хора. Сега съм твърдо решена да направя моя кампания и да уведомя хората за трафика на хора. Обучението ми помогна да си отворя очите за случващото се и след преживяното съм готова да участвам в решаването на този разпространен проблем." - Nora Vakarelova, Professional Forum For Education
"Being involved in the Human Trafficking awareness project was one of those times I will never forget, better still it is only the beginning of what's to come.
8 British young people flew out to Sofia, Bulgaria and teamed up with 16 Bulgarians. Over the week we learnt about how to plan a campaign, human trafficking and the shocking reality of the number of victims - this is a global problem.
27000000 victims really got to me. It also installed a deep motivation to join others in campaigning for Human Trafficking awareness. Because knowing what I know now, doing nothing to raise h like failing." - Ellie Devereux, Volunteer Police Cadets
Friday 21 March 2014
Tips & Hints
As you probably know, creating and managing a campaign can be quite challenging especially if this is your first campaign.
If you want a greater insight on the subject of Human Trafficking then try the following links which are abundant with information on the subject.
STOP THE TRAFFIK:
http://www.stopthetraffik.org
The A21 campaign:
http://www.thea21campaign.org
Human Trafficking Foundation:
http://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org
Also, the 18th of October is the European Anti-Trafficking Day; use this to your advantage for your campaigns.
Further, if you want your campaign to have a great impact, use SOCIAL NETWORKS as the main means of spreading awareness.
The no-make up selfie trend raised £1m in 24h for cancer awareness.
Meaning it raised awareness to more than 500,000+ people in the time period of 24hours and still increasing.
So why can't we do it ?
My experience away in Bankya, Bulgaria.
09/03 09:56 - I am currently on the plane eating my second (20% BIGGER) cheese & onion crisps. At 04:45 this morning, I have left the house to go and meet Kieren, as he's parents both kindly has taken us to Gatwick Airport. We were instructed by Andrew to meet us there for 6am the same morning.
We all finally met up and made our way to place our luggages, at the check-in area. The queue was enormous as we waited approximately 1 hour as there were hundreds of people. But luckily, it was moving consistently.
Now that all of our luggages were checked-in, it was time for us and our belongings to get x-rayed and to see if our hand luggages was okay to go on the plane. (Obviously, you're only aloud liquids up to a 100ml).
We was all thankfully okay and managed to continue onto the duty-free section where all items in the centre was taxed free. We all had 5 minutes to go where we want and then to meet outside WHSmiths, which is the store I decided to go. I bought 3 packets of Walkers crisps, 2 chocolate bars and a bottle of 500ml Coca-Cola. This has costed me £6.08.
After 5 minutes, we made our way to the final check-in which is the step before boarding onto the plane. However, I could not find my boarding pass. I was getting worried as something like this has never happened to me. I was mortified. The lady who dealt with me was ever so nice. She kindly made me a new one, which was slightly different to the original boarding pass. I looked to my right and Andrew looked right into my eyes from where he was sitting and was quietly giggling; as he had already have guessed what has happened.
Meanwhile, we got onto the coach and it bought us outside the aircraft where there were to entrances for the aircraft. Me and Kieren have chosen to use the rear entrance. The EasyJet staffs were very welcoming as they greeted us politely with a great big smile. We then found our seats and waited around several minutes for the rest of the passengers to settle down onto their seats.
Here I am now at 10:29 sitting nice and quietly, drinking my coke, talking to you lovely people.
09/03 19:33 - After a long tiring flight, we manage to land at Sofia Airport, Bulgaria, for 12:40 (UK time) in the afternoon.
We exited the aircraft and headed inside the bus, which escorted us towards customs in the airport.
After a little while of waiting around.
10/03 14:21 - After a long tiring evening last night, we ended the night with a few drinks with several people from the group.
This morning at approximately 08:52, I entered the food hall and found pasta on my plate. I did not fancy eating it as I am not fan of pasta. So I went to the tea/coffee area and found a piece of bread which was about 6cm wide and the width must of been about 4cm. Therefore, I decided to insert it into the toaster and waited about 80 seconds for the bread to be toasted.
Later, we went onto our next session upstairs to do several different activities. The activities were based on team-building exercises relating to 'Human Trafficking', ice-breaking sessions and other fun games. Just before hand, we discussed and made up our very own rules for the project whilst staying at the hotel and most importantly, respecting the hotel rules.
14/03 08:07 - Here I am sitting on the park bench thinking about what I have learnt from this week's training course.
Well, not only I have been taught about the topic 'Human Trafficking' but I have also met some of the most intelligent people at this sort of age bracket. They're incredible.
We have been doing many different presentations about what we did, what we know, what we do and what we are going to do.
The Bulgarian organisers have come up with the most entertaining energising games. These were usually used just before a new session started.
Ellie Devereux, 19, (Manchester, UK participant) - "This project has really opened my eyes to the reality of Human Trafficking. I can't believe I was so unaware of this issue, to despite it being 27 million victims of Human Trafficking right now".
My most favourite one was where we went outside and interviewed the public with a video camera. If they did not what to be filmed but still participate, then it still wouldn't of been a problem. Their faces will not be used in the film but only their voices. I mostly enjoyed spending time outside in the sun as it is what I like to do. It was different to our day-to-day routine as we usually spend too much times in the class room. But this may of been due to poor weather conditions.
It was extraordinary to see how quick the weather changes in Bankya, as one day the town was completely covered in snow, then 24 hours later, we was outside in a pair of shorts and t-shirts, making the most of the beautiful sunshine.
At one activity, we had to pretend we were stakeholders and to create our very own campaign. My group were stakeholders of a Summer Festival for Glastonbury. There were numerous different other stakeholders such as The mayor, The Fire Brigade, The Health Expert, The Media and the banker. Our task was to make a successful campaign using these only resources.
Dimitri Dashinov, 21, (Bulgarian participant) - "In general, it went really well. I guess the project could of been improved by better breakfast. I was really impressed with the workshops as they were informative and very abstract, which is basically different to what I knew. The people stuck together within the project and we all had brilliant ideas".
15/03 12:32 - This week has been full of hard work, fun and excitement. Just because we're heading back to England after spending a week in Bulgaria, no! This is just the beginning. As Volunteer Police Cadets and current candidates to become Special Constables, me and Kieran will be hoping to be the most active in the project and do everything in our powers to raise the awareness of Human Trafficking.
One word to sum the project;
CHALLENGING!
I'll be back.
Ugur Celikbilek
We all finally met up and made our way to place our luggages, at the check-in area. The queue was enormous as we waited approximately 1 hour as there were hundreds of people. But luckily, it was moving consistently.
Now that all of our luggages were checked-in, it was time for us and our belongings to get x-rayed and to see if our hand luggages was okay to go on the plane. (Obviously, you're only aloud liquids up to a 100ml).
We was all thankfully okay and managed to continue onto the duty-free section where all items in the centre was taxed free. We all had 5 minutes to go where we want and then to meet outside WHSmiths, which is the store I decided to go. I bought 3 packets of Walkers crisps, 2 chocolate bars and a bottle of 500ml Coca-Cola. This has costed me £6.08.
After 5 minutes, we made our way to the final check-in which is the step before boarding onto the plane. However, I could not find my boarding pass. I was getting worried as something like this has never happened to me. I was mortified. The lady who dealt with me was ever so nice. She kindly made me a new one, which was slightly different to the original boarding pass. I looked to my right and Andrew looked right into my eyes from where he was sitting and was quietly giggling; as he had already have guessed what has happened.
Meanwhile, we got onto the coach and it bought us outside the aircraft where there were to entrances for the aircraft. Me and Kieren have chosen to use the rear entrance. The EasyJet staffs were very welcoming as they greeted us politely with a great big smile. We then found our seats and waited around several minutes for the rest of the passengers to settle down onto their seats.
Here I am now at 10:29 sitting nice and quietly, drinking my coke, talking to you lovely people.
09/03 19:33 - After a long tiring flight, we manage to land at Sofia Airport, Bulgaria, for 12:40 (UK time) in the afternoon.
We exited the aircraft and headed inside the bus, which escorted us towards customs in the airport.
After a little while of waiting around.
10/03 14:21 - After a long tiring evening last night, we ended the night with a few drinks with several people from the group.
This morning at approximately 08:52, I entered the food hall and found pasta on my plate. I did not fancy eating it as I am not fan of pasta. So I went to the tea/coffee area and found a piece of bread which was about 6cm wide and the width must of been about 4cm. Therefore, I decided to insert it into the toaster and waited about 80 seconds for the bread to be toasted.
Later, we went onto our next session upstairs to do several different activities. The activities were based on team-building exercises relating to 'Human Trafficking', ice-breaking sessions and other fun games. Just before hand, we discussed and made up our very own rules for the project whilst staying at the hotel and most importantly, respecting the hotel rules.
14/03 08:07 - Here I am sitting on the park bench thinking about what I have learnt from this week's training course.
Well, not only I have been taught about the topic 'Human Trafficking' but I have also met some of the most intelligent people at this sort of age bracket. They're incredible.
We have been doing many different presentations about what we did, what we know, what we do and what we are going to do.
The Bulgarian organisers have come up with the most entertaining energising games. These were usually used just before a new session started.
Ellie Devereux, 19, (Manchester, UK participant) - "This project has really opened my eyes to the reality of Human Trafficking. I can't believe I was so unaware of this issue, to despite it being 27 million victims of Human Trafficking right now".
My most favourite one was where we went outside and interviewed the public with a video camera. If they did not what to be filmed but still participate, then it still wouldn't of been a problem. Their faces will not be used in the film but only their voices. I mostly enjoyed spending time outside in the sun as it is what I like to do. It was different to our day-to-day routine as we usually spend too much times in the class room. But this may of been due to poor weather conditions.
It was extraordinary to see how quick the weather changes in Bankya, as one day the town was completely covered in snow, then 24 hours later, we was outside in a pair of shorts and t-shirts, making the most of the beautiful sunshine.
At one activity, we had to pretend we were stakeholders and to create our very own campaign. My group were stakeholders of a Summer Festival for Glastonbury. There were numerous different other stakeholders such as The mayor, The Fire Brigade, The Health Expert, The Media and the banker. Our task was to make a successful campaign using these only resources.
Dimitri Dashinov, 21, (Bulgarian participant) - "In general, it went really well. I guess the project could of been improved by better breakfast. I was really impressed with the workshops as they were informative and very abstract, which is basically different to what I knew. The people stuck together within the project and we all had brilliant ideas".
15/03 12:32 - This week has been full of hard work, fun and excitement. Just because we're heading back to England after spending a week in Bulgaria, no! This is just the beginning. As Volunteer Police Cadets and current candidates to become Special Constables, me and Kieran will be hoping to be the most active in the project and do everything in our powers to raise the awareness of Human Trafficking.
One word to sum the project;
CHALLENGING!
I'll be back.
Ugur Celikbilek
Monday 17 March 2014
So now the hard work begins
After successfully running 2 training events in the UK & Bulgaria for 40 young people it is easy to think we can now sit back and let others do the work. Now is the time for us to put theory into action and develop active campaigns to create greater awareness of human trafficking.
Remember KISS? (Keep It Simple Stupid) - these are important words because as soon as you get to ambitious or make your campaigns too complicated they become impossible to manage. It is better to start small and then 2nd time around make your project bigger, than not achieve anything.
The marketing team will produce a project logo, and some marketing guidelines and your projects will be shared via this blog - http://yff2014.blogspot.com
Let us make a difference by exposing this terrible industry and let's show the power of international youth projects.
Good luck
Friday 14 March 2014
And here is what the Deputy Mayor said...
A very interesting interview which opened up a lot of discussion about what is visible and what is invisible, as well as the relative importance of facts, statistics, opinions and influence. Different stakeholders require different approaches in order to win their support and this will be one of the greatest challenges for our campaign groups.
Thursday 13 March 2014
Live research
Groups have been out and about in the town interviewing a wide demographic of ordinary Bulgarian people about trafficking. As in England, general awareness seems low but there is real interest in the project.
Interviewees included young men and women, old people in the park, teenagers, a man who works with victims, and two women - one young, one old - with direct and fearful personal experience of trafficking (fortunately both stories had happy endings). One of the most knowledgeable was a young boy nine years of age.
The Deputy Mayor has offered an interview tomorrow morning - watch this space.
Well done to all the teams.
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Drama time
Three short sketches illustrate the theme of trafficking and put participants into unfamiliar roles...
Another four ruthless gangs
The trafficking game is played again, bringing out ruthless behaviour, strong emotions and some powerful learning.
Expectations
A creative approach to recording hopes and fears for the week; and Asen and Julia present a colourful view of the course programme
Bulgaria training day 1
A good start to the course with plenty of laughter and conversation. Fun but with serious intent.
Sunday 9 March 2014
Bulgaria begins
Getting to know new friends from Bulgaria and England before the course starts.
After dinner, some simple name games began the introduction process.
On our way
Friday 7 March 2014
Action Plan
The Youth for Freedom training programme is only the beginning of our awareness campaign on the issue of Human Trafficking.
The participants from the programme will now go home to their local communities and start to implement and spread the news of what they have learnt about Human Trafficking and begin to get other young people and community members involved in the movement.
Here are a few examples of the creative shapes the participants created to share their action plans.
The participants from the programme will now go home to their local communities and start to implement and spread the news of what they have learnt about Human Trafficking and begin to get other young people and community members involved in the movement.
Here are a few examples of the creative shapes the participants created to share their action plans.
Nuclear attack
Building a nuclear shelter gave us light relief and excitement, but also some high energy team work. The simulation became quite intense with loud noise, flashing lights, water sprays and smoke machines. Thank goodness it was all just a game. This time.
Research matters
Out and about in Aylesbury town centre, participants conducted opinion research and filmed interviews with the general public. They discovered very low awareness of human trafficking, but great interest and support for the project.
The fiction and the reality
A powerful feature film "Lilya 4 Ever" highlights some of the causes of trafficking and how hard it is for victims to escape.
Later in the week, Bernie Gravett from Specialist Police Consulting gave us a detailed presentation of the reality of the problem. It all goes wider and deeper, and has many more varieties, than we could ever have imagined - in fact it is all around us. We need to open people's eyes, and that is what this project is all about.
Trafficking - far from a game
The Human Traffic game may have been fun but the shocking result was close to reality. How many people really get trafficked or killed in an hour? They get swept away just as easily as the figures here.
Thursday 27 February 2014
Teamwork is Key
The Youth for Freedom team working together to get the best results. Fun and resourcefulness required as standard :)
Quotes of the week
Vickie... Interesting, great time work, interactive skills, gained knowledge, FUN AND ENJOYABLE.
Anonymous... Never underestimate our time to make a difference.
Anonymous... Truly rewarding time spent. diverse activities stimulating different aspects of ourselves.
Suzy... This week has been: Inspiring ! Interesting! Fun ! Great for improving skills (Team Building) ! Surprising ! Eye opening ! An amazing experience to carry on ! :-) !
Anonymous... Stolen people, stolen dreams !
Anonymous... Human trafficking and slavery do not belong in our society. Slavery is in the past, freedom is in the future !
Anonymous... Never underestimate our time to make a difference.
Anonymous... Truly rewarding time spent. diverse activities stimulating different aspects of ourselves.
Suzy... This week has been: Inspiring ! Interesting! Fun ! Great for improving skills (Team Building) ! Surprising ! Eye opening ! An amazing experience to carry on ! :-) !
Anonymous... Stolen people, stolen dreams !
Anonymous... Human trafficking and slavery do not belong in our society. Slavery is in the past, freedom is in the future !
Wednesday 26 February 2014
The sign of a good editor
You can always tell how hard an editing team is working by the number of empty coffee cups!!!
Tuesday 25 February 2014
UK training course under way
The first Youth for Freedom raining course is now taking place at Green Park near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, UK. Energy levels are high as new friends from Bulgaria and England come together to explore the issues around human trafficking and learn how to organise an effective campaign.
Tuesday 14 January 2014
Уикендът в София
Уау... каква сутрин само! Днес се впуснахме в работа с идеята да видим как би изглеждал проектът и действително той започна да придобива очертания. Групата кипеше от ентусиазъм и в крайна сметка достигнахме до решението да запазим първоначалния замисъл на проекта, включвайки концепцията за колоездене... но с една малка разлика! Решихме да ползваме стационарни колелета , на които хората (млади и възрастни) могат да работят в екип и заедно да допринесат за изминаване разстоянието на маршрута за трафик на хора между София и Лондон.
Обсъдихме идеи за това къде бихме могли да организираме събитието и се спряхме на възможността да разположим преносимите колелета на различни места из Великобритания и България. По този начин ще осигурим по-голяма достъпност за хората, а оттам повече гласност за проблема.
На всекиго бе разпределена роля в този важен етап от проекта и аз горя от нетърпение да започнем с работата.
Днес също се разходихме из София, за да разгледаме основните забележителности на града и да се позабавляваме. Успоредно с това интервюирахме още хора за техните виждания относно трафика на хора. Включихме играта "Асоциации" в действието като забавен начин да завържем разговор. Взехме интервю и един на друг във връзка с това в каква роля виждаме себе си в хода на работата по проекта.
Обсъдихме идеи за това къде бихме могли да организираме събитието и се спряхме на възможността да разположим преносимите колелета на различни места из Великобритания и България. По този начин ще осигурим по-голяма достъпност за хората, а оттам повече гласност за проблема.
На всекиго бе разпределена роля в този важен етап от проекта и аз горя от нетърпение да започнем с работата.
Днес също се разходихме из София, за да разгледаме основните забележителности на града и да се позабавляваме. Успоредно с това интервюирахме още хора за техните виждания относно трафика на хора. Включихме играта "Асоциации" в действието като забавен начин да завържем разговор. Взехме интервю и един на друг във връзка с това в каква роля виждаме себе си в хода на работата по проекта.
Статия: Рут Добсън
Превод: Александра Джърмова
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