All eyes are on Ballykeel Youth Centre this week as Comic Relief airs its special feature on the Invisible Traffick Junior Education Programme this Friday (March 20th).
A television crew visited the centre earlier this month to film sessions of the award-winning programme, which uses a spy and detective theme to teach young people aged nine to 11 about human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and online exploitation.
The initiative, known as “Cracking the Case of Injustice”, helps children identify trusted adults in their lives and gives them the confidence to speak up when something feels wrong.
Invisible Traffick delivered the six-week Junior Education Programme at Ballykeel Youth Centre at the end of last year, with a group of around 10 young people taking part on Monday evenings.
The sessions covered a range of important topics including online exploitation, stranger danger, child criminal exploitation, and children’s rights equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their peers.
The feature will air on the Comic Relief show and will showcase the Junior Education Programme session, as well as a small number of pre-recorded one-to-one interviews with young people who have chosen to share their experiences and what they have learnt from the programme.
Arlene Kee, Assistant Director of Youth Services in the EA, said: “We are incredibly proud that the work being done at Ballykeel Youth Centre is being recognised on a national stage tonight.
“The Invisible Traffick Junior Education Programme is a brilliant example of how youth services can empower young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to keep themselves safe.
“Seeing these young people engage so thoughtfully with such important topics is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, and we hope this feature inspires others to bring this vital programme to their communities.
To find out more about youth centres in your area visit Youth Centres | Education Authority Northern Ireland
Photo Caption: The group of 9-11 year olds who took part in the Comic Relief show which airs on Friday 20th March.
