The fourth international edition of the Talitha Kum leaders course held in Nairobi focused on imparting essential skills to international leaders to promote collaboration in preventing and raising awareness about human trafficking in Africa and the world.
The fourth international edition of the Talitha Kum leaders course was recently held in Nairobi, Kenya, with the aim of equipping international leaders with the necessary skills to combat human trafficking. The weeklong in-person session brought together 22 participants from 17 countries, predominantly religious sisters from different congregations. The course, organized in collaboration with Tangaza University College and the Pontifical University Antonianum, focused on promoting collaboration and providing support to survivors of human trafficking and their families. This article will delve into the details of the training course, the work of Talitha Kum, and the significance of combating human trafficking.
The Mission of Talitha Kum
Talitha Kum is an international network of Catholic sisters established in 2009 by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). The organization’s name is inspired by the words of Jesus, “Talitha koum” (“Little girl, I say to you, arise!”), emphasizing the call to rise against human trafficking and support its victims. With networks spread across nearly 90 countries, Talitha Kum aims to combat human trafficking through collaboration and awareness-raising efforts. The organization receives funding from donors such as the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
The Scope of Human Trafficking
According to the Migration Data Portal, an estimated 50 million people were victims of modern slavery in 2021, with 27.6 million in situations of forced labor and another 22 million in forced marriages. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat human trafficking. Religious sisters play a crucial role in this fight, working tirelessly on the front lines to alleviate suffering and prevent the exploitation of victims.
The Importance of Training and Collaboration
The Talitha Kum leadership training course, initiated in 2018, serves as a vital platform for sisters to share ideas and strategies at national, regional, and continental levels. The course equips participants with the necessary skills to recognize indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately. Through training and programs funded by organizations like the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, sisters develop partnerships, prevention initiatives, and survivor support systems. The training also emphasizes self-care for sisters working on the front lines, ensuring they have the necessary support to accompany survivors.
The Nairobi Training Workshop
The recent Talitha Kum training course in Nairobi focused on leadership training to strengthen the scalability of national and regional networks. Participants were required to present a final thesis as proof of their ability to find solutions to specific situations related to human trafficking. The course covered various topics, including leadership models, emerging realities of human trafficking, spirituality, networking, communication, project planning and development, advocacy, and fundraising. The aim was to equip participants with the necessary skills to overcome institutional limitations and implement effective anti-trafficking measures.
The Impact and Future Work
After completing the course, participants are expected to work with one of Talitha Kum’s networks for at least three years. This ensures that the skills and knowledge gained during the training are put into practice, making a tangible impact in the fight against human trafficking. By strengthening collaborations and sharing best practices, Talitha Kum aims to expand its networks in Africa, where human trafficking cases are on the rise.
Conclusion:
The Talitha Kum leadership training course in Nairobi provided international leaders with essential skills to combat human trafficking and support survivors. Through collaboration, awareness-raising, and survivor support initiatives, Talitha Kum aims to make a significant impact in the fight against this global issue. The training course serves as a vital platform for sisters to share ideas, develop leadership skills, and implement effective anti-trafficking measures. As the course continues online, the hope is that participants will continue to acquire the necessary leadership skills to protect the vulnerable and eradicate human trafficking.
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