Videos

Cheryl Perera: One Child

A high school Civics project turns into an international campaign to stop the sexual exploitation of children

A highschool Civics project launched CHERYL PERERA into the world of activism. When she learned of the many children being sexually exploited by tourists in countries like Sri Lanka and Brazil, Cheryl was inspired to make a difference. Believing that knowledge is power, she traveled to these countries to learn about the problem from the exploited children themselves. Hearing their stories firsthand further fuelled Cheryl's passion and she returned to Canada and founded OneChild - a youth-based organization that works to raise awareness, advocate for child survivors and put an end to the sexual exploitation of children around the world. After extensive fundraising, Cheryl raised $180,000 for a rehabilitation centre in the Philippines. In addition to forming partnerships with organizations overseas, Cheryl tours schools in Canada as a youth speaker - to inspire and empower young people to get involved in changing the lives of their peers around the world.