Celebrating St. Josephine Bakhita: Ocer Against Human Trafficking
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
The Talitha Kum Club of Ocer Campion Jesuit College joined the rest of the Catholic Church on 30th July 2026 in celebrating the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking. The occasion served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the growing threat of human trafficking and to inspire young people to become advocates for human dignity and justice.
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan and, as a young girl, was kidnapped and sold into slavery. After enduring years of suffering and exploitation, she eventually found freedom in Italy, where she embraced the Catholic faith and later became a religious sister. Today, she is remembered around the world as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the triumph of human dignity over oppression. In modern terms, she is widely recognized as a victim and survivor of human trafficking.
Under the guidance of Sr. Aya, the Talitha Kum Club at Ocer joined other schools, youth groups, and organizations from across Gulu City in commemorating the day. The celebrations were coordinated by Talitha Kum Uganda, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern slavery through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Gulu, presided over by His Grace Raphael p'Mony Wokorach, Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese. During the Mass, participants were reminded of the dignity of every human person and the responsibility of society to protect the vulnerable from exploitation and abuse.
Following the liturgical celebrations, Ocerians returned to the school for a continuation of the day's activities. Through a series of dramatic performances and presentations, members of the Talitha Kum Club portrayed the many forms in which human trafficking manifests itself today, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and deceptive recruitment practices. Their performances also highlighted the devastating effects that trafficking has on individuals, families, and entire communities, while encouraging fellow students to remain vigilant and speak out against such abuses.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the recognition of students who have actively participated in the club's activities throughout the year. A total of 51 students received certificates in appreciation of their commitment and active involvement in promoting awareness about human trafficking and safeguarding the dignity of every person.
While presenting the certificates, the Headteacher, Fr. Meyo, SJ, congratulated the award recipients and challenged them to live up to the ideals of the Talitha Kum movement. He encouraged them to embrace community service, uphold respect for human dignity, and become responsible youth ambassadors committed to protecting others from exploitation and abuse. He reminded the students that meaningful change begins with individuals who are willing to stand for justice within their communities.
A similar message was conveyed in a statement from the Director of the St. Bakhita Network and Talitha Kum Uganda, which was delivered by the Youth Ambassador, Mr. Paul Olaya. In the message, the Director commended the students for establishing the Talitha Kum Club, describing it as a clear demonstration of their commitment to safeguarding human dignity and building a safer future for young people. Students were encouraged to become ambassadors of hope not only within the school but also in their homes and communities by promoting awareness and taking action against human trafficking whenever they encounter it.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from the students to continue spreading awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and solidarity championed by St. Josephine Bakhita.
As echoed throughout the day's celebrations, the fight against human trafficking is a shared responsibility, and together, communities can build a world where every person is free to live with dignity and hope.
