A DURBAN-based theatre production group staged a drama on the topic of human trafficking at Grantleigh School on Monday, to highlight the real and present dangers of this fast-spreading branch of organised crime.
Lauren Gifford of the non-profit organisation, TruLife, says they focus on school awareness campaigns across the province, targeting rural, government and private schools, to prevent teenagers from being trapped by trafficking syndicates typically fronting as modelling and recruitment agencies.
The productions are high energy and use creative mediums such as dance, drama, media, music and humour to help their young audiences to identify potentially deceitful and dangerous situations they may be confronted with, especially via social media.
During a performance of the same production in Durban last week, a young woman told the team she was approached by a modelling group in the same way as portrayed on stage.
An investigation into the matter indeed later unearthed serious irregularities.
Gifford is also a member of the KZN Human Trafficking, Harmful Traditional Practices, Pornography, Prostitution and Brothels Task Team of which the Zululand Observer is media partner.
Gifford also addressed the pupils on the topics of bullying, sex and relationships.
The production was presented in partnership with Pastor Caroline Pitout of Freedom Generation SA.
Internship
Trulife provides an Internship programme with Bible college lectures at Kloof Harvest Church, where students can grow in their spiritual walk.
Their vision is to train, raise and unleash the young generation to find their purpose and reach their full potential.
They also explore topics such as self-identity, peer pressure and human rights.
Lauren can be contacted on 0836419769 or lauren@trulife.org.za or visit their website at www.trulife.org.za.
