About SUVAT
SUVAT BLUE: Empowering Youth Against Violence and Trafficking
Suvat Blue, established through the Youth Violence & Human Trafficking Prevention Program (YVHTPP), is a project by Uzima Women Relief Group International focused on empowering youth in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The project is proudly funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services by the provincial government.
Why SUVAT?
The name SUVAT BLUE reflects the combination of "survivors" and "anti-trafficking" and is inspired by the United Nations Blue Ribbon Campaign. | What does it stand for? It aligns with the mission of addressing stigma and reducing the fear of public knowledge among youth affected by violence and human trafficking.
The Youth Violence & Human Trafficking Program centers at-risk youth in Toronto aged 12-29. They are empowered to have a voice through the platform of Suvat. Many youth express a lack of representation in Toronto/GTA media and would love a safe space to express themselves. With the support of the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, the project works with the most vulnerable populations at high risk of sexual and substance use behaviors, as well as gang and gun violence.
The program also provides safe spaces though focus groups to help youth in conflict with the law, youth involved with, or transitioning out of child welfare, homeless youth, and youth Not in Education or Employment Training (NEET).
The youth have been at the center of building, running, and sustaining this project as a peer support program.
Program Overview
Participating youth in YVHTPP have collaboratively established the platform Suvat, aiming to prevent youth violence and human trafficking by educating and empowering young individuals through digital media platforms. The program commenced in the summer of 2021 with a series of workshops covering various topics, attracting multicultural youth and adults. Youth participants were networked as peer resources, fostering collaboration and support among them.
Building a Sustainable Digital Media Library
Suvat Blue is actively constructing a sustainable digital media library, encompassing videos, photographs, blogs, and a podcast. The project has its own website and social media platforms, collectively branded as SUVAT BLUE. The initiative strives to amplify the voices of youth and contribute to a united front against violence and trafficking.
Black Youth Focus Groups
Since March 2022, the program has conducted focus groups specifically with Black youth, an ongoing effort to gather diverse perspectives. Some participants have agreed to in-person video interviews, contributing valuable content to the growing media library. Explore our site to witness the impactful work of these youth and learn more about the long-term pro-social activities developed to empower adolescents and challenge societal stigma.