In collaboration with the Anti-Slavery Taskforce of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, this project was developed with the intention to introduce the topic of modern slavery to ACU students before they embark on their professional journeys.

The aim was to prepare students to identify and respond to severe forms of exploitation and slavery-related crimes which they may encounter in the workforce and their personal lives.

Modern slavery content was introduced into ACU's Core Curriculum, which all undergraduate students are required to undertake as part of their various degrees at ACU. Students worked through new learning materials on modern slavery-including a suite of newly-created videos filmed with key stakeholders in the sector-through the third year undergraduate unit of study Justice and Change in a Global World. The materials were piloted with 772 enrolled students in Semester 2, 2022, and the impact of the resources on their knowledge of and attitudes about modern slavery was evaluated.

Based on students' survey responses, it was found that students had an awareness of modern slavery, however, not a deep understanding. Findings suggest that, while their moral obligations were underdeveloped, students had empathy for this social issue similar to the importance they might place on issues such as gender discrimination and climate change. Plans to expand the delivery of modern slavery content within the ACU Core Curriculum are underway. The Anti-Slavery Taskforce will work with others in the wider anti-slavery sector to ensure the new learning resources are shared and utilised across the sector.


Media
Partner

The Archdiocese of Sydney's Anti-Slavery Taskforce

Project team
  • Ms Jenny Stanger - Executive Manager, Anti-Slavery Taskforce
  • Ms Alison Rahill - Executive Officer, Anti-Slavery Taskforce
  • Mr Carsten Primdal - Business Engagement and Remediation Advisor, Anti-Slavery Taskforce
  • Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer - School of Theology, ACU
  • Dr Blake Wassell, School of Theology, ACU
  • Dr Jill Cox, ACU Engagement
  • Ms Vivien Cinque, ACU Engagement

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