10 Voices, 10 Strategies: Tackling modern slavery through education and ethical clearance

Featuring Michael Amos, Managing Director, Waste to Wonder Worldwide.

At Waste to Wonder, our core business is ethical office clearance—furniture and equipment removal with a purpose. We don’t just clear buildings; we make a difference by redistributing usable goods to schools and charities worldwide. So far, we’ve helped equip nearly 1,500 schools across 40 countries, from Ghana to the Philippines.

Our journey into modern slavery awareness is relatively new, but we’ve quickly learned that poverty and lack of education are two major drivers of human trafficking. Through our “School in a Box” program, we deliver much-needed resources to schools in developing nations, addressing these root causes directly.

The connection between poverty, education, and trafficking

A common story we hear involves young people being trafficked due to their low literacy levels and poverty. For example, young women are promised modelling jobs in Europe, or young boys are offered opportunities to play football. Without understanding the contracts they sign; they soon find themselves trapped in forced labour or sexual slavery.

By supporting grassroots education, we help communities become more resilient, reducing their vulnerability to these exploitative practices. As we looked deeper into our “School in a Box” initiative, we realized how empowering education in these regions is a critical way to combat slavery at its source.

Practical steps for businesses

From a business perspective, one key takeaway is to rethink waste management. Instead of throwing away furniture and equipment, donate them. There are people in dire need, and by providing resources to schools, we can reduce the risk of trafficking.

For companies seeking to make a broader social impact, consider partnering with social enterprises. Organizations like Supply Change and Social Enterprise UK can guide you toward suppliers that prioritize social good—whether by helping those in recovery, supporting ex-offenders, or tackling poverty.

Another crucial step is educating your workforce. Everyone, from frontline staff to C-suite leaders, should be aware of the signs of modern slavery and the role businesses can play in preventing it. Equally important is being transparent and allowing external organizations to audit your supply chain.

Final thoughts

Education is key to eradicating modern slavery. We need to ensure that businesses are willing to pay a little more to ensure that poverty and desperation aren’t driving people into the hands of traffickers. Together, we can build a future where ethical clearance isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about saving lives.

For more information, visit Waste to Wonder Worldwide or learn about our work at Supply Change and Social Enterprise UK.