Justice and Care is a charity that works with the police to ‘rescue victims from slavery, bring to justice the criminal networks responsible and spark systemic change.’  Year 12 at St Catherine’s School, Twickenham, have been looking at human trafficking and modern slavery, and have chosen to support Justice and Care with a number of fundraising activities. 

 

Our school made us aware of the charity when, in 2019, our Prize Giving speaker, Julia Strachan, from Justice and Care was really passionate about the cruelty of modern day slavery. She opened a lot of people’s eyes within the school, to this frequently invisible problem, and how the news barely covers this issue. In particular, Julia’s talk opened Year 12’s eyes, and made us eager to raise money for this charity. Very few people are aware of human trafficking, and its true extent. For example, my friend Beth said ‘when listening to the speech Julia gave to us, I was in shock about what was happening and how no news stations were covering it’, whilst one of my other friends explained ‘how the speech made me aware of the gravity of the situation and how prevalent it is in today’s society despite people thinking it is no longer taking place.’ 

 

Justice and Care estimate that there are around 40 million people affected by modern slavery. Globally, the most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, and in the European Union the hotspot is the Netherlands. Within every four people who are trafficked, one will be a child. These facts that were explained, hit home and opened peoples eyes to the problem. 

 

As a Catholic school, everyone thought that something had to be done to help raise awareness. One way that people have decided to raise money, and make people aware of modern slavery, is by making and selling jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, anklets and rings, and donating the profits to Justice and Care. There will be several further fundraising events over the next few months, which we will report on as they take place.