The US Secretary of State John Kerry honoured the founder of Confident Children Out of Conflict (CCC) at a ceremony in Washington, DC, yesterday, saying that she has worked hard to protect vulnerable children.

Kerry conveyed on Catherine Groenendijk the State Department's TIP (Trafficking in Persons) Hero Award.

“We recognize your hard work in caring for and protecting children who are vulnerable to trafficking, your steadfast commitment to the right of every girl and boy to an education, and your persistent engagement to increase justice for survivors of modern slavery,” said Kerry.

“Congratulations and thank you very, very much,” he said.

Cordaid, a Dutch foundation that supports CCC, said that the organization tries to assist children who were forced by circumstances to make a living by shining shoes, collecting waste or even prostituting themselves, calling this “a new form of slavery.”

Arjanne van der Bijl said on behalf of Cordaid that they are “so proud” of the hounour given to Groenendijk.

Groenendijk was born in Uganda and trained as nurse. She is married to the Dutch Wim Groenendijk. In 2002 she attended the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam were she studied tropical healthcare. She lives in Juba, South Sudan.

Photo Credit: US Department of State