The fourth international edition of the Talitha Kum leaders course, held in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on equipping leaders with the skills to prevent and raise awareness about human trafficking in Africa and around the world.
The fight against human trafficking continues to be a pressing issue globally, with an estimated 50 million people falling victim to modern slavery in 2021 alone. In response to this crisis, Talitha Kum, an international network of Catholic sisters, has been working tirelessly to combat human trafficking and support survivors since its establishment in 2009. The recent Talitha Kum leadership training course held in Nairobi aimed to equip international leaders with the necessary skills to address this issue effectively. This article explores the significance of the training course and its impact on the fight against human trafficking.
Empowering Leaders to Combat Human Trafficking
The Talitha Kum leadership training course, held from November 20-27 at the Loreto Mary Ward Center in Nairobi, brought together 22 participants from 17 countries. The majority of the attendees were religious sisters from various congregations. The course, a collaboration between Talitha Kum, Tangaza University College, and the Pontifical University Antonianum, focused on imparting essential skills to leaders to promote collaboration in preventing human trafficking and raising awareness about its devastating consequences.
The training course aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to support survivors of human trafficking and their families. Through an intensive one-year program, the course covered various topics, including leadership models, emerging realities of human trafficking, spirituality, networking, communication, project planning and development, advocacy, and fundraising. The course also emphasized the importance of self-care for frontline workers, who often face immense challenges in their efforts to combat human trafficking.
Talitha Kum: A Global Network Against Human Trafficking
Talitha Kum, established by the International Union of Superiors General, is a global network of Catholic sisters operating in nearly 90 countries. The organization takes its name from the words of Jesus to Jairus’ daughter, calling for individuals and institutions to rise against human trafficking and support its victims. Talitha Kum networks work tirelessly on the frontlines to alleviate suffering and prevent the exploitation of trafficking victims.
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, among other donors, supports the work of Talitha Kum. The foundation recognizes the pivotal role that religious sisters play in combating human trafficking and has been funding training programs to strengthen their capabilities. These programs enable sisters to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and respond effectively, prioritizing human dignity, the preferential option for the poor, and solidarity with survivors.
Strengthening Collaboration and Leadership
The Talitha Kum leadership training course serves as a platform for leaders to collaborate and share ideas at national, regional, and continental levels. Through this course, participants gain the necessary leadership skills to manage anti-trafficking activities and implement preventive systems within their congregations and institutions. The training emphasizes the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and proper management to overcome limitations and find solutions to specific trafficking situations.
Stefano Volpicelli, one of the trainers at the Nairobi workshop, highlighted the importance of scalability in national and regional networks. Participants are required to present a final thesis at the end of the course, demonstrating their ability to address specific human trafficking challenges. After completing the course, participants are expected to work for at least three years with one of Talitha Kum’s networks, ensuring their continued commitment to combating human trafficking.
Conclusion: The Talitha Kum leadership training course in Nairobi has played a crucial role in equipping international leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to combat human trafficking effectively. By fostering collaboration, promoting leadership development, and providing essential tools, this course empowers participants to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. As the fight against human trafficking continues, the efforts of organizations like Talitha Kum are vital in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and ultimately eradicating this heinous crime.
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