WOTCLEF'S FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) Kano State Chapter, organised a One Day
Capacity Building Workshop for newly posted National Youth Service Corp(NYSC) Batch A Members.

The program tagged "Public Awareness Campaign and Advocacy Against Trafficking of Women and Children" was held on Thursday 17th May, 2007 at the WOTCLEF Kano State Secretariat.

Speakers and guests were drawn from different spheres of life and some also presented papers on topics like: Human Trafficking/Child Labour, Peace in the Community, etc.

Other NGOs and guests present at the one day capacity building workshop were:-

* Zonal Coordinator NAPTIP
* Coordinator Aadam & Eeve
* Coordinator Peace Initiative
* Representative AHIP
* " Forward Nigeria
* " Ministry of Women Affairs
* " NYSC Health CDS

Here are excerpts from the interview with Hajia Habiba Halilu, the WOTCLEF Kano State Coordinator:

CALABASH: What did WOTCLEF set out to achieve with this One day Capacity Building Workshop?

HAJIA HABIBA: We wanted to sensitise the new Batch A Corpers to know of WOTCLEF's operations in the Northern part of Nigeria.

CALABASH: What are WOTCLEF's activities?

HAJIA HABIBA: Fighting human trafficking, enlightning/informing the public about the dangers of succumbing to human traffickers' lure, HIV/AIDS advoccacy, youth empowerment/skills acquisition through our vocational training centre where we train people at a very subsidised rate.

CALABASH: How do you reach out to the Youth Corpers?

HAJIA HABIBA: We go to the orientation Camp whenever new members are posted in, we give induction training and Corp members meet every Thursday at the WOTCLEF Secretariat.

CALABASH: Any program for people who are not NYSC Members?

HAJIA HABIBA: Yes, we regularly organise programs to enlighten the public especially market women, schoolchildren, institutions, government agencies, etc, on the need to always be alert. Remember, human trafficking thrives mostly in the rural areas, so we also go to villages to tell parents that they have the power to say NO to people who promise "better life abroad" for their children.

CALABASH: What are the reasons for human trafficking?

HAJIA HABIBA: Parents who traffick their children are faced with financial challenges. People are also in a hurry to make quick money. Some are lazy, others just want to travel abroad for "greener pastures" by all means. These people are easy preys for human traffickers.

CALABASH: What has been the response from the public?

HAJIA HABIBA: It's been wonderful. At least people appreciate what WOTCLEF has been doing. People call us to report cases of human trafficking in their areas, the society is now more aware of the nefarious activities of these traffickers who lure people abroad under the pretence of getting them jobs.

CALABASH: Finally, how has it been for you?

HAJIA HABIBA: Its been very wonderful and also challenging. But the joy of it all is that one is able to touch the lives of people positively. It makes it so fulfiling and satisfying as well. Work here is 100% on voluntary grounds. All in all, so far, so good.

CALABASH: Thanks for finding time to talk with us.

HAJIA HABIBA: Please keep it up. You are doing a great job. God bless u.

Emmanuel Gabari
Reporting from
Kano Nigeria for WWW.NIGERIAFILMS.COM