The Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Territory, Lt. Colonel Luka Khayumbi has challenged all Salvationists in and outside of the Territory and Non Salvationists to jointly fight against the Modern day Slavery and Human Trafficking that is seen to be a new global pandemic.
The Salvation Head of Mission (Bishop) disclosed that all Salvationists and Non Salvationists have a great task of giving hope and empowering the incoming generations toward a better world for all, despite the challenges many might be going through.
Making specific reference to teachers, Administrators, Officers and soldiers of the Salvation Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Territory, Lt. Colonel Khayumbi, informed teachers and school leaders and members the Territory that as they impart new ideas and knowledge to students in the classrooms and youth in their various churches, they are painting a brighter and more vibrant picture of posterity.
According to him the future of the world is in the classrooms and churches: “…for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10. Thus, you can realize that definitely, their future is in your hands”.
The Salvation Army Head of Mission (Bishop) was quick to note that the greatest enemy of the teachers and school leaders efforts is the crime of Modern Slavery, a well-designed plan for exploiting and damaging the future workforce, millions mostly young people are being deceived, trapped, and exploited by an evil industry of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Also speaking in an interview after the three days intensive training of Teachers, school Administrators and members of the Territory the chief facilitator of the Workshop Anne Makumi who is the Coordinator of Africa Zone of the Salvation Army on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response disclosed that those who are involved with these wick acts (Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking) are taking advantage of their victims’ ignorance for their benefit which according to her is against the growth of the new generation which the world is depending on to take over the older generation that may soon wear away.
According to Madam Makumi, the dream of a better world filled with peace, justice, and freedom can only be realized if everyone partnership with a united spirit to stop modern Slavery and human Trafficking.
The Salvation the Coordinator of Africa Zone on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response backed called for the fight against Modern Slavery and human trafficking with scripture reference. This is what the LORD says: “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place” Jeremiah 22:3.
At the same time Salvation Army Director of Education David Siaffa Massaquoi Sr., disclosed that Education is a very powerful tool for the prevention of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response (MSHTR). Adding that the fundamental instrument used to lure people to MSHTR has always been deception.
Director Massaquoi noted that the crime feeds on the ignorance of its victims supported by other underlying conditions, stressing that Education can play a significant role in stopping people from being “tricked, trapped, and traded”.
He further lamented that, Learning institutions are therefore well suited in function and capacity for the prevention of MSHTR through their learning programs, Schools need to act as advocates against MSHTR and not as bystanders.
“This is a very clear, concise, and practical guide for integrating Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response (MSHTR) in schools. It provides step-by-step procedures for increasing the participation of teachers and students in awareness activities for the prevention of MSHT in their schools and communities.
According to him there is a guide prepared for all Salvation Army schools which presents practical strategies of involvement and experience that have proven to be effective in increasing the quantity and quality of MSHTR through schools. It is written based on easily adaptable interventions experimented in Salvation Army Schools in Liberia, Sierra Leone & Guinea Territory”.
He noted that it is a hands-on approaches lay out in the manual which are centered on five of the eight focus areas of The Salvation Army’s “Freedom Action Framework”, the organization’s roadmap for mobilizing and equipping people in responding to MSHTR. He said the five key areas considered in the guide are included in chronological order of usage: 1. PARTICIPATION 2. PREVENTION 3. PARTNERSHIP 4. PRAYER 5. PROTECTION
Director David S. Massaquoi Sr. who is also the National Contact Person, Liberia, Sierra Leone & Guinea Territory concluded that the handout recommends practical ways schools can support survivors of MSHTR through school clubs and chaplaincy programs.
The training was conducted at the Salvation Army Territory Headquarters on 17th Street, Sinkor with over thirty six Participants.
