Creating for a Cause

Elected officials including Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D-18), special guests and representatives from the New York/New Jersey FIFA Host Committee were on hand for a special evening event May 13 honoring the winners of the Kids4Freedom Safety Challenge ’26, a state-wide competition to raise awareness of human trafficking ahead of this summer’s 2026 World Cup.

Supported by the Global Center on Human Trafficking at Montclair State University and the non-profit organization Connect For Freedom, the Challenge invited New Jersey schools and youth organizations to create impactful awareness campaigns, art posters and creative writing to educate young people about human trafficking prevention. The 2026 World Cup, which begins June 11, will take place throughout North America with games being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The contest was divided into two categories: schools and youth clubs/organizations. The school category included middle school and high school winners, while the youth clubs/organizations category included winners in grades K–5, 6–8, and 9–12. All first place winners – including Zoha Ahmed of Paterson School 28, Emily Rodriguez Hernandez of Long Branch High School, Emma Nucum of Little Falls School No. 1, Louis Hansol Kim of Primoris Academy, Kimia Braxton of Boys & Girls Club Monmouth County, Deolinda Smith of Boys & Girls Club Garfield and Cesar Orellana of Empire Sports & Training – received a Congressional award, a trophy, and two tickets to a World Cup game.

“We are incredibly proud of the schools and youth organizations that participated in the Kids4Freedom Safety Challenge ‘26,” said Mimi Feliciano, CEO and Founder of Connect for Freedom. “This ceremony is not just about celebrating winners; it’s about underscoring the vital role youth play in protecting themselves and their peers. Their creativity and commitment to safety are truly inspiring.”

School-Wide Campaign Earns Honors

Senior health students at New Brunswick High School created a comprehensive awareness campaign for the competition to educate fellow students on the dangers of human trafficking and the international hand signals for help.

Combining print materials, podcast episodes and a gallery walk featuring contest submissions from other students, the class launched a Campus Takeover in March to raise awareness.

The results included more than 80% of students surveyed saying they would be more observant of the signs of human trafficking.

Special Recognition

Two groups of Montclair State University computer science students received Special Recognition at the event for their contributions to the competition and to educating children about online exploitation and human trafficking.

The groups developed engaging, age-appropriate web-based games designed to educate and empower K–12 students. Group 1 focused on creating content for students ages 13 and older, while Group 2 developed a game experience tailored for preteen students.

By combining technology with purpose, these students made a meaningful impact in advancing prevention education and equipping the next generation with knowledge that can help protect themselves and others.

About Connect For Freedom

The mission of Connect for Freedom is to connect education stakeholders in K-12 schools to join the fight for freedom from online exploitation and human trafficking in their schools and communities.

The organization provides a wealth of resources, information and much needed guidance to education stakeholders on the unique role educators can play in combating human trafficking.