International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the largest global anti-slavery organization. IJM's Ghana Field Office, based out of Accra, is working to end child slavery in the fishing industry on Lake Volta.

We spent 18 months in Accra supporting this office in 2016 and 2017, providing pro bono communications and creative support.

Communications Support

In collaboration with the Ghana field office staff, we supported the creation of a communications and community mobilization team, focused on engaging local media and churches in the mission of the work.

The three hallmark initiatives of the team were:

Developing and implementing a communications strategy, including the mission, vision and strategic plan for the team, as well as defining key audiences and key messages.
Designing and facilitating a media event to launch IJM's baseline study on the issue of child slavery on the lake. The event brought together more than 100 of the most influential key stakeholders in the government, media and non-profit sectors and established IJM as a valued partner in the fight against child trafficking.
Establishing a strong coalition of 14 organizations working to end child trafficking in Ghana. No such coalition had been successful in Ghana before, and there was a huge need for collaboration between these diverse organizations, to share resources and create broader system-wide solutions.

Baseline Study Launch Event

We supported the team in designing and executing the event to launch IJM's baseline study on the prevalence of child trafficking in the fishing industry on Lake Volta. It featured keynote addresses by several key dignitaries, including the Second Lady of Ghana (left) and the Minister of Gender (middle), and the US Embassy.

Baseline Study Launch Event

Here the Minister of Gender, who is the top government official responsible for addressing child trafficking issues in Ghana, gives remarks in support of IJM's research into the prevalence of trafficking on the lake. Prior to the event, IJM's work was known only to a few. After the event, IJM became a well-known and well-respected partner in the fight against slavery.

"I Am Worthy" Curriculum

This curriculum explains to children their rights under Ghanaian and international law. We designed the materials, which feature illustrations by a local Ghanaian artist.

"I Am Worthy" Curriculum

The curriculum was translated into four local languages. For most children rescued from the lake, this is the first time they have been told that they have worth.

Coalition of NGOs

The Coalition of NGOs Against Child Trafficking consists of 14 like-minded organizations fighting child trafficking in Ghana. Building off the success of the baseline study launch event, we worked with the team to bring these organizations together.

Coalition of NGOs

The first Coalition meeting included an exercise where representatives from each organization explained where they fit in the process of ending child trafficking. The group continues to meet monthly and collaborate on capacity-building trainings, advocacy and other initiatives.

Creative Support

We provided creative services in support of the IJM office as well, including graphic design and video production.

Designed various promotional materials for a Ghanaian audience, such as pamphlets and roll-up banners, to raise awareness of the issue domestically.
Produced several short videos for Ghanaian audiences, to be used by IJM staff at events and speaking engagements.
Provided extensive field support for four IJM-produced videos about the work for a US audience.

Justice Conference Opening Video (10:23)

We created this video for the "Justice Conference"—a gathering of church leaders in the Volta region, many of whose congregants are affected by the issue of child slavery on the lake. The video features an interview with a pastor from one of the "source communities" from which children are often trafficked.

The Deep Place (5:29)

This film tells the true story of a boy named Foli, who was rescued by IJM and Ghanaian authorities in 2015. It was created for IJM by NOVO. We provided on-the-ground production support, story consultation, and drone footage. An extended Director's Cut (10:53) of the film was also released.

Child Slavery In Ghana (2:32)

This film recreates the experience of slavery on the lake for a US audience. It was created in-house by IJM. We provided on-the-ground production support and second camera.

Aftercare: The Healing Begins (3:04)

This film picks up the story of children after they have been rescued from the lake, and shows what the healing process looks like through IJM's aftercare support. It was created in-house by IJM. We provided on-the-ground production support and second camera.

24 Boys Rescued on Lake Volta (1:36)

This short video announces IJM's first rescue operation of 2016, in which 24 boys were rescued from slavery on the lake. It was assembled in-house by IJM from footage we captured of the rescue.