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The strength of the Talitha Kum network lies in its bottom-up, grassroots engagement and in its person- and community-centered approach, which ensures proximity to victims and survivors of trafficking, their families, and those at risk of exploitation.
In recent months, Talitha Kum’s networks have carried out several training and networking meetings at the local, regional, and continental levels, to strengthen Talitha Kum’s identity and actions against trafficking around the world. Here’s an overview of different regional meetings, starting from the most recent.
AFRICA
From the 20th to the 26th of November, the first in-person continental meeting of Talitha Kum Africa was held in Kenya. The meeting brought together 35 participants, including coordinators from 15 African countries in addressing the issue of combating human trafficking in Africa by sharing best practices and experiences.
“The gathering was an opportunity to enrich each other by deep listening and sharing experiences in our mission to end human trafficking. One of the objectives of the conference was to deepen the identity of Talitha Kum Africa, which was successfully facilitated by aiming at strengthening the members on the vision, mission, and spirituality of the Talitha Kum Network.”
Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum
EUROPE
From the 13th to the 19th of November the 3rd RENATE Assembly was held, which was attended by Sr. Gabriella Bottani, SMC. The theme of the meeting was “Realising the dream: A world free of slavery”.
RENATE members gathered intending to allow themselves to be restored, renewed, and transformed by the experience of being together for a week in Fatima, Portugal.
NORTH AMERICA
From the 26th to the 28th of October the U.S Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking network members gathered for their second annual conference with the theme “Weaving Community, Building Capacity, Affecting Change”.
“The conference was a wonderful opportunity to bring our members together to learn, celebrate our growth as a network, and re-commit ourselves to this important work. We’re already looking forward to next year when we’ll celebrate our 10th Anniversary!”
Sr. Ann Oestreich, IHM, Regional representative of North America
LATIN AMERICA
From the 16th to the 18th of September, in Cochabamba (Bolivia), the Commission against Trafficking in Persons, constituted of several Talitha Kum members, met at the occasion of the reunion of the CLAR (The Latin American Confederation of Religious). After this meeting, Talitha Kum International visited the new Red Kawsay Bolivia, established in February 2022 to strengthen the legacy of Talitha Kum in Bolivian territory.
“The visit of the sisters as Carmen Ugarte, osr, Regional Coordinator for Latin America, Ana Marìa Vilca, snjm, Coordinator of Red Kawsay Perù and Mayra Cuellar, mdb, of Talitha Kum International, motivated the members of Red Kawsay Bolivia to continue betting on life according to the Call to Action: care, heal, empower and restore.
We feel committed and co-responsible for weaving networks that make possible a society without human trafficking in Bolivia.”
Sr. Ana Claros, CM, Coordinator of Red Kawsay Bolivia
ASIA
From the 22nd to the 26th of August the 4th regional conference of Talitha Kum Asia was held in Thailand with the theme “Casting the Nets as Network in Asia to End Trafficking in Persons”.
“After the conference, we agreed to strengthen the regional hub team focusing on formation, communication, prevention-networking, and advocacy. We also plan on monitoring and accompanying Talitha Kum networks in Asia, especially the newly established networks. Furthermore, each network strengthens the Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors’ program in Asia. Talitha Kum Asia has three priorities.
These are firstly strengthening the regional hub team to focus on the Talitha Kum International priorities 2020-2025, secondly being more supportive of Talitha Kum Asia’s networks, especially the newly established networks, and thirdly empowering young people part of the Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors’ program.
We also have a monthly study group on Talitha Kum’s Call To Action. Next year, we plan to have a series of webinars on Talitha Kum’s 2020-2025 priorities and Talitha Kum’s Call To Action.”
Sr. Paula Kwandao Phonprasertruksa, SPC, Regional representative of Asia