News Summary
Vanguard University has introduced the ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids’ program in Orange County to combat human trafficking in schools. Funded by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, this initiative seeks to educate students about trafficking, including labor trafficking and sextortion. Peer educators are engaging with local high school students to raise awareness and foster healthy relationships. The program is essential in light of concerning statistics, with a significant percentage of trafficking victims being minors, highlighting the need for community support and advocacy.
Orange County, California – Vanguard University has officially launched the “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness and preventing human trafficking in public schools across Orange County. This three-year pilot program, funded by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, seeks to educate students about the various forms of human trafficking, including labor trafficking and “sextortion,” a manipulation technique used to exploit victims.
Beginning in the fall of the previous year, the program also enhances the existing efforts of Vanguard’s “Live2Free” human trafficking awareness club, which focuses on educating local high school students. Notably, the Huntington Beach Union High School District has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, facilitating classroom presentations conducted by trained peer educators from Vanguard University.
On March 28, these peer educators engaged with freshman students at Westminster High School, illustrating critical concepts related to human trafficking through interactive presentations. Topics covered not only included labor and sex trafficking but also involved an in-depth discussion about recognizing harmful situations through role-play scenarios. One of the highlighted scenarios involved a conversation between a male coach and a female student-athlete to help students identify potential red flags of exploitation and abuse.
The statistics around human trafficking in Orange County are alarming, with 40% of identified sex trafficking victims being minors. Of this group, 32% are female and 4% are male. This disturbing data underscores the urgency for programs like “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” to address human trafficking, especially in communities where such issues may not be widely acknowledged.
Peer educators have undergone extensive training, accumulating a total of 40 hours to prepare for their roles in disseminating crucial information about this pressing social issue. During their presentations at Westminster High, the educators not only focused on the dangers of trafficking but also on fostering healthy relationships and identifying trusted adults, which is vital for young people feeling vulnerable. To encourage engagement, participating students received Jolly Rancher candies as a small incentive during the educational sessions.
Coco McLeroy, a junior at Vanguard University, noted that the peer educators’ status as college students helps bridge the gap when relating to high school students, making the information more accessible and relatable. Leonard Ibarra, a health class teacher at Westminster High, emphasized the necessity of this awareness, specifically highlighting the dangers associated with running away from home or becoming entangled in unhealthy relationships.
Feedback mechanisms have been established to ensure students can safely express their concerns or questions. Sticky notes are provided for students to write down any inquiries regarding the topic, fostering a degree of anonymity in discussing sensitive matters. The overarching goal of “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” is to cultivate a supportive environment for students who may feel uncomfortable when discussing such difficult subjects in a public setting.
The inception of this program follows the identification of the first known human trafficking victim in Orange County in 2002, an Egyptian girl who was enslaved for two years in Irvine. Shyima Hall, the rescued victim, has since dedicated her life to raising awareness about human trafficking, advocating for those who have endured similar circumstances. Her story serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenge of human trafficking and the need for continued education and advocacy efforts in the region.
The “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program reflects a proactive approach towards combating human trafficking within Orange County schools, aiming to empower young individuals with knowledge, resources, and a strong support network.
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Additional Resources
- Fox LA: Brothel Discovered in Irvine Human Trafficking Operation
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- CBS News: Los Angeles County Man Arrested on Allegations of Human Trafficking
- Google Search: Human Trafficking
- KTLA: 2 Arrested for Sex Trafficking in Irvine, Victims Freed
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking
- LA Times: Vanguard Peer Educators Teach About Dangers of Human Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Patch: Man Who Trafficked OC Teen Arrested, Los Angeles DA Says
- Google News: Human Trafficking California
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
