Freedom Charity - Free Book Available

Above: Freedom Charity

The overall aim of Freedom Charity is to raise awareness and prevent child abuse on the issues surrounding forced marriage and dishonor based violence - by placing informative material in schools, running school programs and by maintaining an up-to-date website.

Freedom became a registered charity in January 2011. It's Chair of trustees is Lord Toby Harris. Freedom aims to prevent child abuse and keep children safe. We believe the best way to do this is by empowering young people to feel they have the tools and confidence to support each other, and have practical ways they can help their best friend.

Freedom would like to see every teenager in the country receive a copy of But it's Not Fair^TM BINF written by Aneeta Prem. This book, and the associated teaching resources will help pupils become aware of forced marriage, which may not be part of their own culture, and direct them towards help.

The book is written from the point of view of an British-Asian girl, Vinny, who is from a well-educated, liberal family and who comes into contact with families that have different views on marriage and the roles of girls and young women. Her school friend experiences forced marriage and finds that there is help available - if only she knew where to go!

Readers are made aware of the issues and given tools that empower them to take action. Teachers will be given resources - such as lesson plans and discussion topics to incorporate the subject in the curriculum. The reason for doing the project is to raise awareness, not only with potential victims of forced marriage, but with their best friends - who may be of any culture or religion.

By giving children knowledge of forced marriage, they will understand that they do have choices. By opening up discussions with their friends, they may be more willing to confide their concerns. The book But it's Not Fair^TM BINF has been successfully launched and the first pilots into schools - in Bedford, Luton and London, have started. For one teenager in Luton, this was the first book he had ever owned. The project will roll out nationwide throughout 2012

Lesson plans - have been produced by one of the leading experts in Citizenship. A distance learning CPD level 4 certificate in citizenship, accredited by the University of Warwick has been commissioned along with the production of high quality curriculum materials, e-learning tools, a regular magazine, e-bulletins and marketing materials. Speakers to support national and local events in support of the Staying Safe agenda are also available on request.

Trained volunteers -Trained Volunteers are also available on request to visit schools to deliver assemblies and workshops.

Social Media - Freedom Charity is developing a social media strategy and has Facebook and Twitter pages. Freedom has also developed an interactive website for students and staff. This is designed to empower the children to be equipped to save their best friend's life and to use social media as a positive platform to engage and equip young people.

App - An App is going to be launched in Spring 2012 which students can download on their smart phones This will have a quiz about the signs of forced marriage and a help button that will go directly to the helpline. All smartphones have GPS, so if a child is in danger the phone can be tracked and the police can be alerted. This is a unique service that Freedom Charity believes will save lives.

Please help Freedom Charity by ensuring schools and pupils in your region are aware of this initiative through your contacts. If you would like Freedom Charity to visit your school and deliver workshops and assemblies Freedom Charity is able to donate free copies of the book and a set of lesson plans to your schools.

Aneeta Prem is available to visit schools in the East of England region to talk about the issues of forced marriage, as well as donate books with a book signing, meet the author, a Q & A session on the book, or writing workshop for students.
If you would like Aneeta to visit your school please contact Freedom Charity directly: www.freedomcharity.org.uk
or call Freedom 07703 191 326

Charity Registration Number 1139657