This past week has been a bit rough for me. Just when I thought that I was cured from the dreaded malaria parasite, I tested again and it was still lurking in the shadows. That in itself would have been manageable but this new round of anti-malaria drugs are wreaking havoc on my body. This is all very frustrating. And a bit scary as well. I keep telling myself that I did not cross the Atlantic Ocean to come here and be confined to a dingy hospital room. However, “best laid plans” and all…

Anyways, I still have a few days to recover until WOCON is ready to launch its latest campaign in Eboyi, Ogun and Lagos States. The slogan is: “Trafficking is modern slavery… take a step to stamp it out!”. From what I gather, the strategy will be according to their tried and tested public outreach formula: First, the major stakeholders in the target community (local chiefs, teachers, students, women and men) will be brought together for a round table discussion on trafficking. Questions will be raised and concerns will be brought out in the open.

In past campaigns, WOCON has also asked community members to identify what they feel are the causes of child and women trafficking in their area. It seems that most of the time, the main reason is poverty or lack of access to educational opportunities, especially for women because of their low social status. As a result, WOCON has been actively involved in filling petitions on behalf of the community to local government authorities for more schools to be built and loans to be given for the creation of income generating projects. I would love to see for myself and report back what they are able to accomplish in those places. I have to get well soon!!!