ZOE protects the identity and dignity of children and does not show trafficked children.
ZOE Foundation Australia (ZFA) began sharing in schools in Australia in 2011, presenting on a range of topics including child trafficking, vulnerability, ethical consumerism, child labour and tourism, to educate students about Modern-day Slavery.
We believe that creating a space for students to learn and ask questions from our team, will encourage them to think holistically about issues and embolden them to use their giftings and talents to become advocates for others.
ZFA offers a range of educational talks centered around child trafficking, Modern Slavery, ethical consumerism and exploitation. Each talk has been developed to be age-appropriate and can be modified to ensure that it meets the unique needs of your class.
“We really appreciated you coming to talk to our Year 6 crew last week. It was a perfect connection between our areas of study. I have also had a few parents mention how their child enjoyed your session too. You have definitely raised awareness on this issue.”
Primary Classroom Teacher at Donvale Christian College
TALKS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
YEAR 9 & 10
Year 9 and 10 interactive workshops have been designed to complement the ZOE Modern Slavery and Child Trafficking Geography Curriculums that fit within the curricula of Geographies of Human wellbeing and Interconnection.
During these workshops, students unpack the definition of Human Trafficking by exploring a real life case where a child was trafficked into a labour factory. This session is interactive as students discuss the case study, determine if the case meets the United Nations definition of trafficking and then consider ways that they could help locate the child.
Students are able to consider how they may be connected to Modern Slavery and Child Labour through some activities that look at products imported to Australia through global supply chains.
Workshop available:
Ending Child Trafficking (double period - 90 to 100 minutes)
SECONDARY ASSEMBLY
Through awareness and story-telling, our presentations for Secondary assemblies seek to inspire and empower young people to make a difference in the world. Presenters share their unique stories and raise awareness among students about the issues of trafficking and Modern Slavery, as well as their connection to it through the products they purchase. It is designed to reinforce that when ordinary people come together, they can positively impact the live’s of others, be that in the fight to end child trafficking or in another area that they are passionate about.
Talks available:
A passionate LIFE (30 to 40 minutes)
“The ZOE team are doing an amazing job raising the awareness of our students on the crimes of human trafficking and slavery. In particular, their focus on spotting those who have been trafficked and how to ensure we do not unknowingly contribute to these crimes is admirable! Knowledgeable, friendly and approachable, I recommend the ZOE team as a way to interrogate the interconnections of our world in a meaningful and effective manner.”
Dr. Marianne Hicks, Brunswick Secondary School
TALKS FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS
GRADE 5 & 6: SLAVERY
Grade 5 and 6 students can learn about Modern Slavery. For this age group, the term ‘slavery’ is discussed broadly, and a more specific focus on vulnerability.
- Students discuss what slavery means.
- Students learn about the vulnerability factors which increase a person’s susceptibility to enslavement.
- Students consider where slavery may occur (age-appropriate content only).
- Students explore the need for holistic strategies to combat slavery.
- Students consider economic disparity between Australia and Thailand.
Talks can be combined into one 40 - 60 minute presentation that covers both Modern Slavery and ethical consumerism.
Talks available:
Slavery (30 to 40 minutes)
GRADE 5 & 6: ETHICAL CONSUMERISM
Grade 5 and 6 students can consider how they may be connected to Modern Slavery through Australia’s imported products, such as clothing and chocolate. For this age group, the term ‘slavery’ is discussed broadly, and a more specific focus on child labour is given.
- Students explore global interconnection and Australia’s dependence on global business and trade.
- Students learn of the ways in which consumers are connected to Modern Slavery through imported products.
- Students are introduced to ethical consumerism and what consumers can do to advocate for human rights.
- Students explore how they can creatively respond to this topic.
- Students are introduced to the work of ZOE and unpack one of ZOE Thailand’s past forced labour cases.
Talks can be combined into one 40 - 60 minute presentation that covers both Modern Slavery and ethical consumerism.
Talks available:
Ethical Consumerism (30 to 40 minutes)
PRIMARY ASSEMBLY
Our presentations to Primary assemblies focus on the key themes of hope and life. We share stories of children who have been orphaned and been in difficult situations, but how they have now found hope and a new life. ZOE means LIFE and we aim for students to go away thinking about their lives and what they can do to make a positive impact on the LIFE of another child.
Talks available:
ZOE means LIFE (30 to 40 minutes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES ZOE SHARE GRAPHIC CONTENT?
No we don't. At ZOE, our heart is always to protect the identity and dignity of children. Therefore, we do not share stories, photos or anything that might make a child’s identity known, or bring them shame. What this means for our work in schools is that we do not share graphic or confronting stories from our work in fighting child trafficking.
In our presentations with students, we often unpack a child trafficking case from our child rescue team in Thailand. When we unpack one of these cases, we use past forced labour cases, where a child was made to work in a factory. We do not mention cases of a sexual nature.
Our work in restoration is based on the notion that children should not be defined by their past or the things that may have happened to them. This is again why we do not share stories, photos or anything that might make a child’s identity known, or bring them shame.
IS RELIGION OR FAITH INCORPORATED INTO SCHOOL TALKS?
No, it is not. When presenting before students, we do not talk about our personal religious beliefs, unless a school invites us to share at a chapel service, or as part of a religious studies class.
ZOE is a Christian organisation that works globally to end the trafficking of children. We share in schools and settings Australia-wide, regardless of religious affiliation. We want to bring modern slavery education to students across Australia, as we know that it’s going to take the efforts of all of us to see the trafficking of children ended.
IS THERE A COST TO BOOK A SPEAKER?
Before we answer that we want to say that at ZOE, we make every effort for our resources to be as accessible as possible. Many of our resources, such as our Year 9 & 10 Geography curriculums, are free for download on our website.
There isn’t a fixed “cost” that we charge to send out a speaker - it really is up to you and the budget your school allows.
If you have a budget for a speaker, or would like to do a fundraiser for ZOE - that’s great. No two schools are the same - some schools give $5 per student, others get creative with their fundraising to help ZOE fight child trafficking - it’s really up to you.
Our heart is to help educate the next generation so please do not let ‘cost’ stop you from booking ZOE; we are always happy to explore options with you.
DO YOU SHARE AT SCHOOLS ACROSS AUSTRALIA?
Yes, we have already spoken in person, at schools across Australia. We have also shared with groups of students online.
When we travel, we would like to share with other schools in the area. In fact, you could really help us! If you are looking for a speaker and you are located outside of metropolitan Victoria, would you consider connecting us with another school in your area to see if they would also like to have us come?