Students Worldwide Support CNN’s #MyFreedomDay Initiative to Champion the "Freedom to Learn”

Celebrating its laudable ninth year, #MyFreedomDay, CNN’s one-day, student-driven social media event to raise awareness of modern-day slavery, returns on March 11.

The launch of this year's #MyFreedomDay campaign focuses on the theme of "Freedom to Learn," which aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of education access for children worldwide. As thousands of students prepare to participate in this year’s initiative, #MyFreedomDay seeks to create empathy and understanding about the harsh realities facing over 12 million children globally trapped in modern slavery.

Recognizing that education is a fundamental right, students involved in #MyFreedomDay will engage in activities designed to connect with the struggles of their peers who are confined in situations where learning is impossible. This year’s theme hopes to reinforce that through education, both the free and the oppressed can visualize a future where every child can learn, evolve, and break the cycle of exploitation.

This initiative empowers students across schools and communities to be advocates for education. With these series of events, conversations, and social media campaigns, the message of empathy and education equity will resonate and encourage participants to speak out for those unable to voice their aspirations for learning.

Students from more than 100 countries around the world have undertaken this year’s challenge, through presentations, panel discussions, video messages, art exhibitions, public events, and so many other meaningful activities.

#MyFreedomDay coverage will commence at 6 pm ET on March 10th / 6 am HKT on March 11th in Hong Kong on CNN International, with correspondents contributing throughout the day from Hong Kong, Atlanta, London, and Sao Paulo among others.

CNN’s #MyFreedomDay microsite CNN.com/MyFreedom will offer interactive content to bolster “Freedom to Learn” and serve as educational devices for students and larger audiences worldwide.

Leif Coorlim, executive editor of the CNN Freedom Project, shared “#MyFreedomDay’s focus on the 'Freedom to Learn' theme reminds us that millions of children trapped in modern slavery are denied the basic right of an education. By engaging young people, we aim to foster empathy and an understanding that education is the most powerful tool we must use to break the cycles of vulnerability that lead to human trafficking. Join us in standing up for every child's hope to learn and live in freedom.”