Programmes

youth engagement project

Addressing critical gaps in understanding and supporting young people who are at risk or have survived sexual exploitation through a first-of-its-kind project in Aotearoa.

This project, led by our knowledgeable Youth Impact Officer, Chillion Sanerivi, brings together cohorts of young people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, trafficking or sexual exploitation. It provides a chance for them to learn, grow and share; to access support they might need; and to engage in youth-led campaigning and future advocacy around child sexual exploitation.

Our Youth Engagement project offers a safe and supportive space that empowers participants to learn mana-enhancing life skills such as:

  • building healthy and safe social connections
  • sexual exploitation education and awareness
  • help-seeking strategies
  • support service engagement
  • identity building.

What sets ECPAT apart is our distinct youth-centric approach, which is designed to foster social innovation while enhancing participants’ overall well-being. We foster recovery, leadership, and systemic change, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and post-traumatic growth.  

Tailored trauma therapy services will be available to address participants’ unique needs, ensuring holistic support for their restorative journey, with a focus on post-traumatic growth, recovery and empowerment. Following an initial retreat with each cohort of young people, there will be regular gatherings and help to access youth internships and professional development programmes. Participants will also be provided ongoing education on how to keep themselves safe from further exploitation. Connections across participants and organisations will be nurtured, and the insights gained will be shared with frontline professionals and agencies to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young people across Aotearoa.

Currently, there are no other initiatives dedicated to providing these services.

Research has exposed an alarming gap in recognition and response for victims of trafficking and exploitation.

Pilot

ECPAT NZ ran our first retreat in November 2024 with a cohort of five South-Auckland based rangatahi aged 16-24 associated with The Front Door, Kickback’s youth homelessness prevention initiative.

Highlights from the first retreat:

  • Prevention Focus: Participants gain knowledge about sexual exploitation, consent, internet safety, and the importance of self-worth and resilience.
  • Connection Building: Culturally appropriate practices, whanaungatanga (relationship-building), and ongoing support from ECPAT NZ and partner organisations fostered meaningful relationships.
  • Youth-Led Advocacy: Participants developed the confidence to amplify their voices and contribute to building a safer, exploitation-free community.
  • Tailored Support: Trauma-informed facilitation and collaboration with partner organisations ensured participants felt safe and supported, both during and after the retreat.

We intend to run multiple cohorts through the Youth Engagement Project, supporting alumni to foster meaningful connections, upskill, and take action.

I really enjoyed having a safe space to talk about this stuff. There aren’t many places to go where you are able to talk and learn about this stuff. I really appreciate being here… it’s good to know that these places exist for us.

Retreat participant

Partner with us

Our Youth Engagement project is currently bringing together and supporting vulnerable young people in Tāmaki Makaurau.

ECPAT NZ’s long-term goals for this project are to expand our efforts to include gender-focused groups tailored to address the unique needs of each demographic, and to develop a similar model to VOYCE, focusing on amplifying the voices of young people who have experienced or are at risk of sexual exploitation.

This will enable participants to contribute towards our work; improve well-being through positive youth development; and activate youth voice, youth leadership and direct advocacy. Recognising the importance of incorporating the voices of our young people, we will utilise any shared experiences and insights into participants’ recovery and development to inform and enrich our programmes, Community of Practice, and advocacy work.

Rangatahi across Aotearoa will benefit from the impact of participants’ insights on what would help them thrive, as these will shape ECPAT NZ’s policies and advocacy strategies as we drive systemic improvements.

We would love your help to continue the project.