Over 300 young people in Bonaire learn to recognize criminal exploitation

KRALENDIJK – More than 300 young people in Bonaire took part in For di Gara 2.0, a workshop focused on criminal influence and exploitation among youth.

Participants learned how criminal exploitation can develop gradually through rewards, extra attention, peer pressure, secrecy or pressure to make quick decisions.

Three experts with lived experience shared their personal stories and discussed the influence of friends, poor choices and the possible consequences for school, employment and future opportunities.

A central message was to stop and think whenever something does not feel right. If someone offers something, asks for secrecy or applies pressure, young people are encouraged to ask themselves: “Is this right?”

For di Gara 2.0 is part of an annual program aimed at preventing and recognizing human trafficking and exploitation in the Caribbean Netherlands.