Vanguard University Launches Program to Combat Human Trafficking

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

High school students actively engaged in learning about human trafficking prevention.

News Summary

Vanguard University has initiated a pilot program named ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids’ to raise awareness about human trafficking in local schools. Funded by an $825,000 grant, the program aims to educate high school students on the dangers of trafficking, inspired by the story of the first known victim in Orange County in 2002. Through peer education and collaboration with local school districts, the initiative seeks to empower students to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations.

Orange County, CA – Vanguard University has launched a new pilot program aimed at combating human trafficking in local schools, following the historic case of an Egyptian victim identified in 2002. This initiative, which stems from the university’s commitment to human trafficking awareness and prevention, is designed to educate high school students about the dangers and realities of human trafficking.

The project, titled “Safe Communities, Safe Kids.”, has received substantial financial backing through an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation. This funding will support the program’s goal of raising awareness and providing prevention education regarding human trafficking within Orange County’s public schools.

In 2002, the first known human trafficking victim in Orange County was a young girl from Egypt. She was enslaved by a couple in Irvine for two agonizing years after being smuggled from her home country. Despite Irvine’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the United States, this case brought to light the hidden issues of human trafficking that can affect communities perceived as secure.

Founded on a mission to foster awareness, the Live2Free club at Vanguard University is spearheading efforts to educate high school students about human trafficking. Senior Jasmine Allen emphasized the importance of increased understanding in a region that is often considered safe, reiterating the need for vigilance in recognizing and reacting to potential trafficking situations.

The pilot program mobilizes peer educators from the Live2Free club to deliver human trafficking curricula across local high schools. Recent presentations, conducted at venues such as Westminster High School, covered vital topics including labor trafficking, sex trafficking, “sextortion,” and grooming tactics used by traffickers. During these sessions, students engaged in role-playing scenarios designed to help them recognize warning signs associated with exploitation.

As part of the initiative, the Huntington Beach Union High School District has emerged as a critical supporter. This collaborative effort has seen peer educators trained in a 40-hour program prepare them to effectively communicate complex and sensitive information to their peers.

Feedback from the program has been positive. Teachers like Ibarra from Westminster High have noted the significance of making students aware of potential dangers, while many students have reported a newfound understanding of risks after participating in the educational offerings. The implementation of anonymous feedback mechanisms, such as sticky notes for question submissions, is helping to create a safe space for students to inquire about these important issues.

Data from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force reinforces the necessity of the program, with reports indicating that two out of five sex trafficking victims are minors. Furthermore, the statistics show that 32% of all human trafficking victims in Orange County are female minors, while male minors account for 4%. Highlighting this alarming trend, the program aims to equip students with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and others from potential trafficking situations.

As the pilot program expands its reach to additional school districts within Orange County, initiatives like Safe Communities, Safe Kids signify a vital step towards addressing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations within the community. With continued participation and support, Vanguard University’s efforts may provide an essential framework for combating this critical issue.