Project Location: London and the South East of England

Project Contact: Cherifa Atoussi, Anti Child Trafficking Officer

Project Funders: Comic Relief (UK)

Project Background and Information:

Young people who have been trafficked face extreme exploitation and abuse as they are held as domestic slaves, forced into prostitution or other illegal activities.  The road to recovery begins from escaping the exploitation. But this is only the beginning; such survivors of trafficking need sensitive forms of support which is essential for complete recovery and progress. With this in mind, AFRUCA has launched a Theatre Development Project to complement our menu of support for Survivors of Trafficking. This project is run in partnership with leading theatre practitioners.  The workshops are held twice a month.

The project offers an alternative to therapy through the medium of dance, drama and music as a creative means to address some of the psychological, emotional and socio-economic needs of the survivors of trafficking. Many African people are unfamiliar with the concept of therapy or counselling. Moreover some therapists are not aware of the intricacies of trafficking in addition to not being aware of many of the cultural and religious needs of young Africans. Too often for the young people, their immigration issue is more of a priority rather than accessing mental health services. However, AFRUCA recognises that young people need to focus on addressing their mental well being despite all the above difficulties.

Theatre has always played an important role in the cultural and social well-being of African people. It has not only served as a social platform but is also a popular art form and vehicle for passing on culture, information and tradition. Many of our young people, based on their origin, are very familiar with the use of drama and dance as part of day-to-day life in Africa. For this reason, this project focuses on drama and dance as a non clinical, non formal and non intrusive alternative to therapy. It complements other forms of support that we provide to young victims/survivors of Trafficking at AFRUCA. The project which commenced in February 2011 has so far been well received by the participants. So far the attendance rate has been 100% and despite their daily challenges, no young person has dropped out...

The workshops also play an important role in learning and in helping participants develop new skills such as assertiveness, communication, problem solving, focussing,  team working, voice projection, confidence building and planning. The young people are working toward a specific goal which is a production to be performed at AFRUCA’s 10th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner on the evening of the 16^th of July 2011.

Below is a poem(English Version) by one of our young people

People wanted to make me cry

People wanted to harm me

they have forgotten that God is greather than them.

I am a lost child in a strange land

I run to the right

I run to the left

In order to find some one who will help me

I told people what (I) have seen with my eyes

What (I) have heard with my ears

I cried out for people

But instead of them to believe me

They just ignored and laughed at me

They looked at me like someone who doesn't have people

Like someone who doesn't have family.

People looked at me with a smile on my face

But my heart is full of pain

My bed is soaked with tears

Is soaked with tears of pain and sadness.

But I thank my creator

For letting me meet the wonderful people AFRUCA CHARITY

That rescued me from my TRAFFICKERS.

The Traffickers came with smile on their faces

They came with a sweet voice

They promised Honey and heaven

But their mind is full of deciet.

Parents be wise

Because the days of I will look after you children is no more.

Signed T

Last updated June 2011