All children are vulnerable to being exploited. Children both on and off tribal lands are especially vulnerable to this type of exploitation. We have the opportunity to educate tribal nations in South Dakota this fall and empower them to prevent their children from being exploited. These funds will help Paving the Way provide educational materials and information designed specifically them. Join us in ending child trafficking.
Native women experience violent victimization at a higher rate than any other U.S. population. Congressional findings are that Native American and Alaska Native women are raped 34.1%, more than 1 in 3, will be raped in their lifetime, 64%, more than 6 in 10, will be physically assaulted. Child trafficking has been on the rise since 2019. Children on tribal lands are even more vulnerable.
Paving the Way has educated over 19,000 youth and families the past 5 years. We focus on the under served populations around the nation. One population that is always on our heart are the children living on tribal lands. This is tough conversation and this funding will provide resources to empower youth and their parents to take this conversation on to prevent them from being exploited.
The long term impact is our children are more engaged in life. In fact, 60% of the student surveyed talked to their parents or friends about what they learned. The youth pay attention to the environment, those around them; learning to trust their instincts vs. being pulled in by media or social pressure. This program evokes empathy & connection. 21% of the middle schoolers surveyed had lunch with someone who mostly ate alone and stopped bullying others online. Those actions saved lives.
