Mozambique or Bust is an extraordinary story of how a housewife, Kimba Langas; a truck driver, Rick Youngquist; a businessman, Paul Jarzombek, and a pastor, Dave Terpstra, joined the fight against modern-day slavery in Africa with an unconventional weapon: bras.
In February 2012, the CNN Freedom Project highlighted the efforts of “Free the Girls,” a small Denver-based charity that collected donated bras in the U.S. for sex trafficking survivors to sell in the used clothing markets of Mozambique. Bras are a luxury item there, and can sell for top dollar.
When CNN first reported the story, “Free the Girls” had collected more than 20,000 bras and couldn’t afford to ship them to Africa. But Paul Jarzombek. COO at LR International, saw the story and took action, triggering a chain reaction of kindness and goodwill.
Mozambique or Bust is narrated by Mira Sorvino, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador to Combat Human Trafficking. Through this, she promotes and participates in information and prevention campaigns to educate the general public and target audiences on human trafficking, helping disseminate information to the public about UNODC’s work.
Mike McCarthy, senior vice president for programming, CNN International, said: “This is a story about how jobs and entrepreneurship can help keep vulnerable women independent as they continue their journeys away from sex trafficking. These four people demonstrate how anyone can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking – in their own communities or half a world away. We are especially pleased that Mr Jarzombek was moved to his extraordinary generosity after seeing our reports on CNN, and we’re extremely pleased that Mira Sorvino has helped us tell this story. Her longtime commitment and understanding of the issues inform her narration in ways we hope will inspire others who see this program.”
Mozambique or Bust airs at the following times on CNN:
Sunday February 17 – 8.30am and 9.30pm AEDT
Monday February 18 – 3.30pm and 7.30pm AEDT
Tuesday February 19 – 9.30pm AEDT
Wednesday February 20 – 4.30pm AEDT
Kimba Langas (fourth from left) and helpers
Notes to Editors
About The CNN Freedom Project
Launched in 2011, the CNN Freedom Project shines light on the efforts of individuals and organisations working to fight the injustices of forced labour, sex trafficking, unauthorised organ harvesting, and other forms of human trafficking in the United States and around the world.
From debt bondage in India to sex trafficking rings in Southern California and African slaves in the Sinai dessert, the CNN Freedom Project has generated more than 300 stories of modern-day slavery from across five continents. The CNN Freedom Project relies on documentary and investigative journalism and has had a huge impact since the initiative was launched. Many notable figures have partnered with the Freedom Project since its launch, including Anil Kapoor, Demi Moore, Common, Mira Sorvino and Emmanuel Jal.
The Freedom Project blog offers resources encouraging viewers worldwide to take a stand against the organised trade in exploitation of children.
Related links:
The CNN Freedom Project blog – http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/
The CNN Freedom Project Twitter – http://twitter.com/cnnfreedom
The CNN Freedom Project Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/CNNFreedom
For more information, please contact:
Kym Druitt
eckfactor
(02) 8570 5511 / 0418 272 018
kym@eckfactor.com
