Rohan D’Souza, a passionate advocate and the youngest Board Director of Eyes Open International, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, recently delivered an inspiring speech to high school students at the Convent of Jesus & Mary Girls High School (CJM) in Vadodara, Gujarat. The visit held special significance, as Rohan’s father, Harold D’Souza, is an alumnus of the Convent School, class of 1980.
Sr. Nirmala, Principal of CJM, invited her ex-student Harold Henry D’Souza’s eloquent son, Rohan D’Souza, to empower the next generation by educating CJM students on human trafficking prevention. This event took place on June 27th, 2024, with a lively audience of 10th and 11th grade students and their teachers.
International inspirational ‘Survivor-Advocate’ Harold D’Souza, alumni of CJM, spoke to the press from Cincinnati, Ohio: “This is a nostalgic blessing and love showered by my beloved and most caring Sr. Nirmala, Principal of Convent of Jesus & Mary Girls High School. I passed SSC, 10th Grade in 1980, never ever came close or touched the Auditorium Stage during my entire school days. Sr. Nirmala created a miracle, inviting Rohan D’Souza, Board Director, Eyes Open International, at my school to inspire students to follow their Passion, Dreams, and Vision in life.
An emotional day of my life to see my son Rohan do a presentation – where I was a total failure student, but CJM taught me 7 Principles: which is the foundation of ‘The D’Souza Family’: Character, Education, Faith, Love, Compassion, Respect, and Dignity. Sr. Nirmala is ‘Mother Nirmala’ as we all remember, recognize, and respect ‘Mother Teresa’. Thank you loving CJM teachers, staff and compassionate Sr. Nirmala – Game Changer of my life,” signed off Harold D’Souza from the United States of America.
Addressing a packed auditorium of attentive students, Rohan shared his family’s harrowing journey. His father, Harold D’Souza, is a survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States. Harold’s experience has profoundly influenced Rohan’s dedication to this cause. Harold has become an international inspirational speaker, recognized for his advocacy, and was appointed by former President Barack Obama to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking at The White House in 2015 and continued his services under President Donald J. Trump.
Rohan’s speech was a powerful blend of personal anecdotes and information, highlighting the grim realities of human trafficking and emphasizing the importance of awareness and vigilance. “This cause is very personal to me,” Rohan remarked. “My father’s journey from victim to advocate has taught me the critical importance of education and prevention. If we can prevent even one person from falling victim to this heinous crime, our efforts are worth it.”
Rohan’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of various forms of human trafficking, including labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and organ trafficking. Rohan stressed the common tactics traffickers use to lure and exploit victims, urging students to recognize warning signs and report suspicious activities to authorities. He highlighted the crucial role young people play in combating human trafficking by staying informed, spreading awareness, and being vigilant in their communities. “You are the future leaders,” he told the students. “By educating yourselves and others, you become powerful agents of change.”
The session included an engaging Q&A segment, allowing students to delve deeper into the issue and explore ways they can contribute to the fight against human trafficking. Rohan encouraged the students to leverage social media platforms to raise awareness and support victims, reminding them that every small effort counts.
Sr. Nirmala said, “Rohan will continue the legacy of his father Harold D’Souza.”
Rohan’s visit to the Convent of Jesus & Mary School is part of a broader campaign by his organization to raise awareness about human trafficking across educational institutions in Asia. By targeting schools, the campaign aims to create a ripple effect, empowering young people to become informed advocates and proactive participants in the global fight against human trafficking.
This auspicious event not only enlightened the students but also inspired them to think critically about their roles in society and how they can make a difference. The dialogue facilitated a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding human trafficking and empowered the young audience to take meaningful action.
The students expressed their gratitude and commitment to the cause, inspired by Rohan’s powerful message. His visit left a lasting impact, motivating a new generation to take up the mantle in the battle against human trafficking.