The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) in Parktown appeals to community members to support them in educating children about the dangers of child trafficking.
According to NCT CEO Moira Katz, statistics show that children account for 27% of all human trafficking victims worldwide. Two of every three child victims are girls.
“In South Africa, and especially in low-income areas, such as parts of Soweto, children are beguiled, captivated and recruited with assurances of a wonderful future. Once transported and sold, they are rudely awakened to that the fact that the early promises are empty promises and they are now doomed to a life of slavery, misery and abject wretchedness,” said Katz.
According to advocacy groups, human trafficking is rife in South Africa. According to the Salvation Army, this is because of high levels of poverty and inequality, leaving people vulnerable to exploitation.
Upon hearing a story of a young girl at a local children’s home who was rescued from a trafficker, Katz knew she needed to do something.
NCT desires to put on an educational play based on a real horrifying incident that would not only hold interest but make a lasting impression.
The play titled Innocence Lost will target learners aged 11 to 14 – young teens who yearn for a better life. The play will be followed by a question-and-answer session with cast members.
“Children are our future. We must educate them, protect them and show them that they can have a future. We have to make that future more than an unobtainable dream.”
Katz said the theatre needs the support of community leaders to show children that they have a future and how they can reach it.
NCT is also looking for sponsors to enable them to tour the country with the production, targeting schools in poorer areas, where children may be vulnerable to trafficking. “We are hoping that the schoolchildren will go home, discuss the play with their siblings and families – and their family members will discuss with others in their various communities. And so we will educate a community.”
NCT hopes to put on the play at the start of the 2022 school year.
Details: Contact Cindy Gordon on 011 484 1584 or email cindy@nctt.org.za for more information.
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