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Gardner-Webb students bring awareness to human trafficking

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Gardner-Webb University students this week will work to bring awareness to human trafficking and empower members of the community to stand against it.

The university’s “Release the Captives” club is hosting Human Trafficking Awareness Week which features a range of events highlighting the issues.

The club was launched in 2013 to raise money and awareness for local and international non profit organizations that are directly fighting human trafficking. The group educates students and local community on issues surrounding human trafficking.

"Gardner-Webb's students are some of the most active in the nation on this issue," said club adviser Dr. Joseph Moore. "Our campus has been the epicenter of tremendous service to trafficked people, and many of our students have gone on to careers and volunteer in life-changing work around the world.  I look forward to seeing a new generation of students rise up to that kind of service."

An estimated 5.5 million children have been abducted, sold or forced into slavery and an estimated 21 million people worldwide are considered victims of modern-day slavery.

Human Trafficking Awareness Week Schedule of Events:

Monday, Feb. 20: Art and Activism

  • Guided class with Susan Bell centered on concepts of freedom/justice/redemption.
  • Space limited to 50 students.
  • Faith Hall, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21: Dimensions/The Gathering

  • 9:25 a.m. - Dimensions speaker from Out of Darkness Ministries in Atlanta (Stewart Hall)
  • 7 p.m. - Dr. Paula Qualls speaking at the Gathering (Stewart Hall)
  • 8 p.m. - Prayer stations for various types of trafficking (Tucker Student Center)

Wednesday, Feb. 22: Open Mic Night

  • Different expressions about human trafficking
  • Tucker Student Center, 1st Floor, at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 23: Fair Trade Market and End It Day (EndItMovement.org)

  • Variety of vendors to sell and educate about Fair Trade products
  • Social Media Campaign
  • Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center; 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 24: Letters of Love

  • Writing letters to send to different organization
  • Ritch Banquet Hall, Dover Campus Center; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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