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Newsletter November

Dear Friend, Partner and Colleague, What a quarter it’s been! These past few months have carried so many moments of growth, connection, and hope, each one reminding us why this work matters. It’s been especially heartwarming to see our collective efforts recognised through awards and milestones. Every achievement is a reflection of the survivors, partners, and team members who continue to show what’s possible when we move together. Thank you for walking alongside us, for believing, supporting, and sharing in this journey. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve accomplished together over the last quarter and what’s next. Happy Reading! Joy S. KingsleyDirector of Strategy, Impact & Movement Building.   Key Accomplishments from Last Quarter Unity as a Protection Against Organized Crime – Webinar Recap   Last quarter, in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we hosted a collaborative webinar titled “Unity as a Protection Against Organized Crimes.”The discussion spotlighted the power of survivor-led action and cross-border partnerships in dismantling organized trafficking networks. We were honored to host speakers from UNODC, IJM, Liluye, African Survivor Coalition, éLiberare, ChildX, Salvation Army, Footprint to Freedom, TATLI, and Hope Risen Foundation.  Click here or the Image above to watch the webinar.   The African Survivor Leadership Academy Launches Its First Courses! We are excited to announce that the African Survivor Leadership Academy (ASLA) has officially launched its first courses!  Course 1 – Understanding Human Trafficking in Africa explores the realities of trafficking across the continent, unpacking root causes, survivor experiences, and the systems that sustain exploitation. Course 2 – Afro-Centric Trauma-Informed Care focuses on healing and leadership through culturally grounded, survivor-led approaches designed for African contexts. The ASLA is part of our mission to equip survivors and allies with Afrocentric, culturally grounded knowledge and tools to drive real change across Africa. Learn More   ­Click here to start the course   With the support of Fred Foundation and éLiberare, we created the Small-Scale Grants Program to give survivor leaders the chance to lead change in their own way within their communities.. Each winner was awarded a USD 1000 grant and will also receive mentorship and guidance to strengthen their initiatives. Learn More   Footprint to Freedom Named Resilience Finalist at the 2025 UN SDG Awards! We are humbled and proud to share that we’ve been named a Resilience Finalist in the 2025 edition of the Heroes of Tomorrow.  This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the strength of survivor leadership and the impact of our collective efforts to end human trafficking and modern slavery. A special congratulations to the winner and fellow finalists, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to stand with us on this journey toward freedom, dignity, and sustainable change. Learn more.   Official Lunch of Beyond Survivors’ Safe Survivor Action Hub   On October 13th in collaboration with ChildX, we launched the Safe Survivor Action Hub, a new digital library designed to make survivor engagement safe, ethical, and sustainable. We extend our deep appreciation to the speakers Zoi Sakelliadou (UNODC) for providing an intergovernmental and institutional perspective and to Malaika Oringo Human Trafficking Expert (Footprint to Freedom & African Survivor Coalition), Firehewot Abiy worku, Saga Brodersen, and Diana Barten for sharing your expertise and vision for safer survivor inclusion Click here to read :Webinar Report Oct 2025.   ­ Footprint to Freedom & éLiberare Win the STOP THE TRAFFIK “Data Against Trafficking” Award for Collaborative Disruption!   We’re so proud to share that Footprint to Freedom, together with our amazing partners at éLiberare, has received the STOP THE TRAFFIK Data Against Trafficking Award for Collaborative Disruption! This means a lot to us, not just as an award, but as a reminder of what’s possible when survivors lead and when collaboration replaces competition. Phase 2 of the Kompass Project Has Begun! We’re excited to announce the launch of Phase 2 of the Kompass Project, our joint initiative with éLiberare aimed at reducing vulnerabilities to human trafficking, modern slavery, and gender-based violence in refugee communities in Uganda. Building on the success and lessons from Phase 1, this next phase deepens our community engagement, expands survivor support systems, and strengthens collaboration with local stakeholders to create safer, more resilient communities.   UN International Day Against Trafficking in Persons     Last quarter,  in partnership with the Mwagale Foundation,  we joined the global commemoration of the UN International Day Against Trafficking in Persons at Bugabwe Primary School. The event aimed to raise awareness among parents, teachers, and community leaders, creating a safe space for open conversations and questions on how to identify the signs of trafficking and protect vulnerable children and families.   Email Us Now! 2024 Annual Report  

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July Newsletter

Voices of Resilience Global Survivors Forum  24th -25th June 2025 Last month, we witnessed a historic moment as survivors took center stage at the UNODC Voices of Resilience Global Survivors Forum in Vienna. The forum marked a major shift toward truly survivor-led solutions, placing lived experience at the heart of global anti-trafficking efforts. Our Founder and Executive Director, Malaika Oringo, played a key role behind the scenes, working closely with the UNODC team to help bring this space to life and she delivered a powerful closing speech that reminded the world of the strength, clarity, and leadership survivors bring to the fight against trafficking. Twelve members of the African Survivor Coalition, a Pan-African movement founded by Footprint to Freedom, represented us at the forum, powerfully amplifying the voices and realities of African survivors. We also led a presentation alongside our colleagues from Latin America titled “Unity as a Way of Protection” – highlighting the shared struggles survivors face in seeking justice and healing, and the need for all sectors to work together in supporting them. This forum reaffirmed a global truth: meaningful solutions must be survivor-led. The Salvation Army Africa Zone Communities of Practice Conference – Ghana 28th April – 1st May 2025 This quarter, we joined National and Territorial contact persons at the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response (MSHTR) Conference, hosted by The Salvation Army Africa Zone in Ghana. Our Founder & CEO, Malaika Oringo, and Director of Movement Building, Joy Kingsley, co-facilitated a session on welcoming survivors, sharing practical tools for trauma-informed, survivor-led support. One of our founding members at the African Survivor Coalition, Engage Now Africa also modelled what meaningful partnership looks like: not just listening to survivors, but building alongside them. Grounded in the Fight for Freedom framework and its 8 Ps (Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership, Policy, Participation, Prayer, and Proof), the conference addressed return and reintegration, survivor dignity, and inclusive service models. Faith-based organizations play a critical role in the fight against modern slavery. The Salvation Army continues to lead by equipping its officers, members, and staff with the tools and training needed to respond with compassion, accountability, and care. Our partnership with the Salvation Army grows stronger, united by a shared commitment to survivor-led, faith-driven action across Africa. Strategic Meeting with the British High Commission in Ghana One of our core priorities at Footprint to Freedom is bridging the gap between survivors of human trafficking and the high-level institutions shaping response systems across Africa. This commitment came to life in Ghana, where we met with representatives from the British High Commission in Ghana. The purpose of the meeting was to foster deeper collaboration between survivor leaders, the BHC, and local stakeholders, and to explore joint responses to trafficking issues in Ghana. We engaged in a meaningful dialogue on trafficking trends in Northern Ghana, the rise in forced scamming, and the need for survivor-led insights in crafting effective responses. We are grateful to Richard Pugh-Cook and the British High Commission team for their openness, hospitality, and willingness to collaborate. We look forward to next steps including: Joint capacity-building initiatives, Stronger coalition coordination and Continued survivor-institution engagement Beyond Survivors Convening Ghana – Centering Ethical Survivor Engagement & Inclusion On May 2nd, we facilitated the second in-country convening of Beyond Survivors a platform and collective of survivor-informed resources focused on safeguarding, ethical inclusion, and meaningful survivor engagement supported by ChildX following the first held in Uganda. This meeting held in Ghana and hosted in partnership with Engage Now Africa, the workshop centered on:“Building Ethical Partnerships Between CSOs and Survivor Leaders: Centering Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Engagement.” The gathering brought together survivor-led organizations and civil society actors in Ghana to strengthen trauma-informed, dignity-based reintegration practices. Participants addressed critical issues including cyberharassment, coerced disclosures, and confidentiality breaches, while sharing practical strategies for survivor-centered safeguarding. Toolkits were distributed, first responder training commitments were made, and a clear path was set toward inclusive, ethical survivor engagement across Ghana and beyond. By leading this workshop, Footprint to Freedom reaffirmed its commitment to ethical collaboration and cross-border learning, ensuring that survivor-informed tools are accessible and actionable across the movement. The Assembly Europe  Elevating Survivor Voices in Financial Crime Prevention We were proud to be represented at ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) – The Assembly Europe 2025 in Paris. Our Founder and CEO, Malaika Oringo spoke on a powerful panel titled “Financial Inclusion as a Human Right,” alongside Joby Carpenter, exploring how financial institutions can better support survivors of human trafficking. As Malaika shared during the session:“We need to change the lens on how we look at human trafficking. Sustainable freedom is what survivors need.” The event brought together global leaders in financial crime prevention and highlighted the urgent need for survivor-led insights in designing inclusive, impactful solutions. We are grateful to ACAMS for creating space for survivor voices and for reinforcing that true innovation must include lived experience. Safe Footprints A Kids Guide to Staying Safe from Human Trafficking We’re proud to share that we successfully launched Safe Footprints, a child-friendly, survivor-informed safety guide designed to help children understand and protect themselves from human trafficking. Through interactive activities, age-appropriate language, and bold visuals, this guide aims to equip young people with practical tools to stay safe both online and offline. Thanks to the generous support of ChildX and eLiberare, Safe Footprints has began distribution in classrooms, communities, and online across multiple countries. But the journey doesn’t end here. With your support, we can print and distribute even more copies to reach the children who need it most.   Donate today and help keep kids safe.   Click the link below to read the resource.   Read the Safe Footprint Guide Here   Run for Freedom Staying Safe Online and Offline This quarter, we took a powerful step forward in raising awareness and building safer communities through our Run for Freedom initiative. Together with ChildX, we brought the message of human trafficking awareness and prevention to Bugabwe Primary School through a vibrant, community-centered awareness event. The day began with a symbolic Run for Freedom, a school-wide run that united students, teachers, athletes, and community members in a powerful show of solidarity against

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Ending Human Trafficking in Africa: A Survivor-Led Movement for Change

Human trafficking is one of the most urgent human rights challenges facing Africa today. Each year, countless individuals are trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or modern slavery. This crisis not only robs people of their freedom but also threatens communities, families, and nations. But across the continent, a powerful response is emerging. The African Survivor Coalition (ASC) is a survivor-led movement in Africa that is uniting voices across all 54 nations to fight exploitation. Rooted in lived experience, resilience, and healing, ASC is building a Pan-African survivor network that empowers leaders, amplifies voices, and transforms the fight against trafficking. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of survivor leadership in Africa, the power of human trafficking advocacy in Africa, and the steps needed to achieve true healing and empowerment for survivors. Why Survivor Leadership is Essential When it comes to ending human trafficking in Africa, survivors must be at the center of the solution. Too often, programs and policies are created without consulting those who have lived through trafficking. The result is strategies that miss critical realities. Survivors bring invaluable perspectives. They know the tactics traffickers use, the vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation, and the barriers to recovery. By empowering them, the African Survivor Coalition ensures that responses to trafficking are survivor-centered and effective. This is what makes ASC unique: it is not just about helping survivors — it is about survivor leadership in Africa. Survivors become advocates, mentors, and changemakers who design and lead initiatives. The Vision of a Pan-African Survivor Network Human trafficking crosses borders. Victims are recruited in one country, transported through another, and exploited elsewhere. That’s why no single nation can end trafficking alone. The African Survivor Coalition is building a Pan-African survivor network that unites survivor leaders from every corner of the continent. This network provides a platform for sharing experiences, building solidarity, and amplifying survivor voices across Africa. A Pan-African survivor network creates strength in numbers. It ensures that survivors in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, and beyond can connect, collaborate, and influence continental strategies. Together, survivors are not isolated voices but a united movement driving systemic change. Survivor Empowerment in Africa Survivors need more than rescue — they need empowerment. The African Survivor Coalition invests in survivor empowerment in Africa by equipping leaders with skills, mentorship, and resources. Empowerment means survivors can: By focusing on survivor empowerment in Africa, ASC is building a generation of leaders who transform their experiences of pain into power and resilience. Healing and Empowerment for Survivors Recovery from trafficking is not only physical — it’s deeply emotional and psychological. Trauma leaves scars that can last a lifetime. That’s why healing and empowerment for survivors is at the heart of ASC’s mission. Through initiatives like mentorship, counseling, and safe spaces, survivors gain the tools to rebuild their confidence. Programs encourage them to share their stories, connect with peers, and transform survival into leadership. This healing and empowerment for survivors ensures they are not defined by exploitation but by resilience, dignity, and strength. Human Trafficking Advocacy in Africa Laws and policies play a critical role in ending trafficking. Without strong legal frameworks and enforcement, traffickers continue their crimes with impunity. The African Survivor Coalition leads human trafficking advocacy in Africa by: Survivors’ lived experiences make advocacy powerful. When lawmakers hear directly from survivors, policies are more realistic, responsive, and impactful. Survivor Voices in Africa Survivors are not voiceless — but they have often been silenced. The African Survivor Coalition exists to amplify survivor voices in Africa. These voices raise awareness, challenge stigma, and inspire communities to act. Survivor stories educate the public, inform governments, and motivate international organizations to strengthen support systems. Every voice matters. By bringing survivors together, ASC ensures that survivor voices in Africa are heard in local communities, national parliaments, and global platforms. Anti-Human Trafficking in Africa: A Collective Fight Ending trafficking requires collective action. The African Survivor Coalition collaborates with governments, NGOs, donors, and communities to build a united response. Through survivor-led programs, ASC strengthens anti-human trafficking in Africa by: This anti-human trafficking Africa movement is survivor-led, trauma-informed, and Afro-centric. It respects African cultures, identities, and lived experiences while pushing for justice and freedom. The Role of the African Survivor Coalition The African Survivor Coalition is more than an organization — it is a movement. With leadership across West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, ASC unites survivors into a powerful force for change. Its programs include: Through these efforts, ASC embodies survivor leadership in Africa and ensures that survivors are not left behind but are leading the charge. Why Ending Human Trafficking in Africa Matters Human trafficking is not just an African issue — it is a global crisis. But Africa, with its young population and complex vulnerabilities, faces unique challenges. Ending human trafficking in Africa will: The African Survivor Coalition proves that with survivor leadership, advocacy, and empowerment, ending human trafficking in Africa is possible. Call to Action The fight against human trafficking in Africa cannot be won by one group alone. It requires governments, civil society, donors, and individuals to stand together. If you believe in the power of survivors, join the African Survivor Coalition today. Support survivor empowerment in Africa, amplify survivor voices in Africa, and be part of a survivor-led movement in Africa that is creating lasting change. Together, we can transform survival into leadership, exploitation into empowerment, and vulnerability into resilience. Final Thoughts The African Survivor Coalition is leading a movement that Africa and the world desperately need. By centering survivors, building a Pan-African survivor network, and investing in healing and empowerment, ASC is reshaping the future of anti-trafficking work. Survivors are not victims to be pitied. They are leaders, advocates, and change-makers. With their voices at the forefront, we can finally achieve the vision of ending human trafficking in Africa — once and for all.

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April Newsletter

Dear Friend, Partner and Colleague, Have you ever had that one opportunity that changed everything?   Let me tell you about Mastulah. Two years ago, she was a single mom in Uganda, juggling odd jobs to feed her kids. Today, she’s a junior data analyst at a tech firm, mentoring women in her community. What changed? One opportunity: our ICT training program and your support for it! Mastulah’s story is just one of thousands. In 2024, with your support and through the collective work of members of the African Survivor Coalition (our movement building initiative), we reached: As we launch this first edition of our newsletter, we want to bring you closer to the heartbeat of this movement. Here’s what you’ll find in this edition: Thank you for walking this journey with us. P.S. Hit reply and tell us: Who’s your Mastulah? We’d love to celebrate their resilience. Happy Reading! Joy S. KingsleyDirector of Strategy, Impact & Movement Building Impact Highlight Behind every statistic is a true story of resilience. Thanks to our partners, donors, members of the African Survivor Coalition and supporters like you . Key Accomplishments from Last Quarter Webinar Spotlight The Crisis in Africa, Rooted in Vulnerabilities -A Review of the UNODC 2024 Global Trafficking in Persons Report.­ Last Month, we hosted a webinar with the theme: “The Crisis in Africa, Rooted in Vulnerabilities – A Review of the UNODC 2024 Global Trafficking in Persons Report.” With over 90 attendees, the session brought together survivor leaders, policy experts, human rights advocates and activists to unpack the systemic drivers of trafficking across the continent. The conversation emphasized the urgent need for context-specific, survivor-led solutions to tackle vulnerability and promote justice. It was a space rich with shared experiences, insights, and community-rooted strategies, a strong reminder that real change begins with those closest to the issue. Click the image above to watch the recap or the button below to read the report. Footprint Kids Club Update ICT Literacy Program Launched This quarter, we took a big step forward in nurturing young minds and creating safer futures. Under our Footprint Kids Club initiative, we officially launched the ICT Literacy program for schools, beginning with Bugabwe Primary School in Uganda. For many students, it was their very first interaction with a computer, and the excitement was contagious. “Today’s training has helped us learn how to turn on a computer, use a mouse, and understand what a keyboard does!”– Primary Six Pupil of Bugabwe Primary School So far, 232 pupils have been enrolled, fully participating and are learning the importance of digital literacy, basic computer components, online safety and anti-trafficking awareness.

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