Runways To Freedom Fundraiser

Hello,

Recently, the Sunday Times investigated the possible exploitation of models by agencies and talent scouts who promise them a better future.

My name is Mari Malek, I am the creator of this fundraiser on behalf of Runways to Freedom campaign in support of migrant and refugee models in need of emergency assistance and mental health support due to abuse and exploitation in the fashion industry.

The primary issue we are drawing attention to, by means of media coverage and legal assistance, is an insidious practice perpetuated by talent scouts in developing countries, who prey on vulnerable young people’s dreams to make it big in the fashion industry.

These scouts, who work on behalf of model and talent management agencies, are sent to refugee camps and other places where vulnerable young people are found, and “scout out” those with the “potential” to become models.

They sign them into modeling contracts under the guise of opening the door to achieving what so many young people dream of. Most of those young people signing the contracts barely understand what they are signing themselves into - often signing away rights like power of attorney and more without a second thought, often not even understanding the language.

Since sharing Nyabalang, and the other refugee models' stories about mistreatment in the fashion industry, new cases of migrant and refugee models in dire need of help are brought to us on a monthly, sometimes weekly basis.

Currently we are working on organizing emergency housing for individuals in danger of homelessness, as well as provide community and desperately needed mental health support for individuals in severe crisis.

The first case was brought to our attention by Nyabalang. On February 28th, 2022 Nyablang Gatwech Pur was brought to Paris, France from her Refugee camp located in Kakuma, Kenya. Nyabalang arrived in the city of lights full of hope with the promise of a better life not only for her, but her loved ones still in the Kakuma refugee camp.

Nyablang Gatwech Pur, unfortunately had those hopes and dreams crushed like the many young models before her thriving on nothing, but a dream and whim. After only being there at the acclaimed “Paris fashion week” she was told that unfortunately, this would be the end of her fashion journey after 12 days and she was sent back to her family in Kakuma, Kenya refugee camp with a nearly €3,000 debt.

There is also the case of the story of Deu - a refugee model from Kakuma Refugee Camp in South Sudan, he was headhunted by Isis models and was sold a dream of a better life, this story unfortunately doesn’t have a happy ending.

Deu became known in our industry because of a video that went viral about a boy who had never celebrated his birthday and was given a birthday cake on the set of ID magazine shoot and Deu broke down in tears. He was caring, grateful and most of all had hope.

Deu worked for multiple high end clients in campaigns and shows but was sent back home with nothing but debt, with no idea what was to happen to him. With the help of fellow friends he made in the industry he was able to re-enter Europe with their help to try and work another season, but in Spring 2023 Deu reached breaking point.

He was not given the mental support he needed and after disappearing for months he was eventually found in a desperate state by a fellow model and went into a psychiatric hospital in Europe, in a small town where no other creatives or people he might know are based. The model agents no longer wished to know about his well being.

As you can see from these stories, there is a dire need to change things in the fashion industry. Let's stand together and be the change we want to see, and show the world the power of humanity, compassion and unity.

We want thank those of you who hav generously supported the campaign so far. Please keep in mind that the target of funds set here does not indicate the actual need, because THE NEED IS GREATER THAN THIS TARGET.

We invite you to keep contributing on this fundraiser and share it with your friends, networks, until we will be able to increase the target through our website.

✨✨✨ Learn more about us✨✨✨

Who We Are:

A charitable organization for and by people in the fashion industry, with a special focus on refugee and migrant models. #wearenotatrend

Our work was inspired by a single case of a refugee model, recruited under dubious circumstances, exploited and then sent back to the refugee camp with a mountain of debt to an agency meant to represent their interests. Following the publication of the first story, more and more cases have and continue to come to light.

What We Do:

- Resources: we help find legal aid, find solutions for medical & mental health care, provide contacts with vetted agencies, support in accommodation search, provide emergency contacts and more

- Community: to learn about the ins and outs of the fashion industry, to connect with likeminded people and share experiences, to get advice and mentorship

- Education & Prevention: in the form of workshops, educational materials & outreach events in order to prevent and curb exploitative practices in the fashion industry.

https://www.runwaystofreedom.org

About Stand For Education:

Stand for Education is a 501(c)3 charity organization registered in the state of New York, dedicated to providing access to quality education for children affected by war and conflict, with a special focus

on girls education, women empowerment and refugee awareness.

https://www.standforeducation.com

About Me:

I am the founder of Stand for Education and the Runways to Freedom campaign.

As someone who has personally lived through the challenges and traumas that refugees and immigrants face, I want their voices to be heard, their stories to be told.

My own personal journey from South Sudan to Egypt to the United States is the story of so many global children who are forced to flee their country because of war, violence, persecution and economic hardships. It heightened my awareness and sensitivity to the shared suffering of others. It also deepened my commitment to provide the support and opportunities for immigrants and refugees to develop to their fullest potential.

This is why i created this campaign; Runways to Freedom campaign is a part of the registered charity organization Stand for Education, and is specifically working on helping refugee models in need.