We believe that knowledge is the most powerful tool to protect oneself and others from trafficking. Therefore, through our extensive efforts in awareness creation, HAART works diligently to improve the understanding of human trafficking in Kenya and promote safe migration. We conduct trainings at both national and grassroots levels, sometimes in a hotel with judges or members of parliament, another time under a tree, in a classroom, or in a shack reaching a wide range of individuals and organizations. HAART uses its experience and knowledge to create quality training material that can also be used by other organizations. These trainings address the pressing need for raising awareness about the different forms of human trafficking, including profiles of traffickers and victims, the routes victims are taken, and crucial information on how individuals at risk can avoid falling prey to trafficking. We take pride in utilizing a mixed methodology during our human trafficking workshops, incorporating group discussions, case studies, videos, and other interactive elements. We understand the importance of tailoring our workshops to suit the needs of our participants, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
In addition to awareness creation, our department places a strong emphasis on the empowerment of vulnerable groups. We provide support, resources, and educational programs designed to strengthen the resilience of those most at risk. By empowering individuals and communities, we believe we can effectively combat human trafficking and promote safe migration.
Traffickers frequently make enticing promises of good employment, quality education, or fulfilling relationships to lure innocent individuals, only to exploit them once they reach their intended destination. Their targets often include hopeful, responsible, hard-working adults as well as vulnerable children. Raising awareness plays a crucial role in empowering communities and developing resilience against this heinous crime. At HAART, we conduct grassroots workshops that typically span around 2 hours, specifically targeting the most vulnerable populations in Kenya. These workshops rely on two essential resources: the Safe Migration Training Handbook and the Human Trafficking Grassroots Awareness Facilitation and Mobilization Toolkit, both meticulously developed by HAART.
First responders, with their trusted status and profession, are invaluable in gathering early information about trafficking cases, playing a crucial role in protecting communities and rescuing victims, thereby transforming lives. This group encompasses diverse professions such as police officers, court officers, immigration officers, religious leaders, chiefs, teachers, and children officers, among others. HAART acknowledges the indispensable contribution of these individuals and conducts comprehensive training sessions exclusively designed for them. These training sessions extend over 1-2 days, enabling in-depth learning and equipping first responders with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively combat trafficking.
Community Joint Forums are highly effective workshops that aim to foster collaboration between community members and first responders. The workshops are specifically designed to identify and address context-specific cases of human trafficking within a particular locality. Through open discussions and dialogue, participants can share their insights, experiences, and concerns related to human trafficking. These forums serve as a platform for community members to voice their perspectives and for first responders to provide their expertise and guidance. The ultimate goal of these workshops is to reach a collective agreement on follow-up actions that can effectively combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals within the community.
We firmly believe in the power of youth, art, and self-expression. This Programme focuses on empowering young to use their voice to fight against human trafficking through creative arts.Through this initiative, we provide training and encouragement to young individuals, enabling them to share their knowledge and talents through various artistic avenues such as theatre, dance, and music. The program runs for a period of xx accompanying young people to build technical and soft skills, and their self-esteem and not only effectively protects them from trafficking but also helps link to their professional life to create their future economically. It aims at creating youth advocates who can make a difference in their community when it comes to fighting against human trafficking.
The Child Safeguarding Clubs take a comprehensive approach to empowering child advocates who champion their rights. Through active child participation, the clubs promote advocacy in schools, communities, and at the county level, while also strengthening the capacity of schools to address child trafficking and safeguarding issues. By nurturing child advocates, the clubs aim to create a supportive environment where children are actively involved in safeguarding themselves and their peers.
Since 2015, HAART has collaborated with artists to create captivating and thought-provoking expressions of art that delve into various facets of human trafficking. By harnessing the power of art, HAART expands its reach beyond traditional avenues, engaging with different target groups and gaining valuable insights from artists’ perspectives. These artistic endeavors not only generate intriguing content but also serve as a means of learning and understanding through alternative mediums. Through this artistic approach, HAART explores new ways to raise awareness, spark conversations, and foster a deeper understanding of the complex issue of human trafficking.
The most ambitious project to date was the creation of an animation film that was released to the public in 2019 after being shown in renowned film festivals around the world. The film was made by Kenyan filmmaker Ng’endo Mukii in partnership with HAART and with funding from Misean Cara. We hope to make many more animation films since we recognize this as a powerful tool to show survivors’ stories without fear of victimization through identifying the victims.
This is the story of a boy named Kitwana,
A boy who laughed and played and went to school
and did all the things that children do.
One day Kitwana’s life would change, and not for the better,
This, however, nobody knew.
This short film is based on true events and was commissioned by HAART.
We operate a dedicated public helpline for reporting cases of human trafficking, which receives referrals through calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages. Through this helpline, we effectively receive and handle cases of human trafficking. Our Prevention department plays a vital role in referring victims for assistance and connecting them with relevant service providers, including government and non-governmental organizations.
