Reports on A Call to Action and Leadership for Myanmar Youth

Project Report | Oct 22, 2020
SYSTERM after Covid-19!

By Noom and Katie Ann Crosman | International Volunteer DEPDC/GMS

SYSTERM has continued working in Shan State, Myanmar. In Kyaukme, northern Shan state, school started on July 1, 2020. School started a little late this year because of COVID-19 closures. After only ten days of the school being reopened it had work to drive out the Myanmar Army. That problem has forced the school to close again. And now the Covid-19 pandemic is a really big problem in Myanmar. All the borders have been closed down. Myanmar doesn’t have a good health care system and because of this cases are increasing and spreading.

In Mongyawng, the school opened at the same time as Kyaukme on July 1st. The project that the SYSTERM member takes care of is also starting to build a new school. First, though, they have to fundraise. Many kids in the village and neighbors from other villages are interested in joining the Tailue class at the school. All of them are very happy to go to school. Many donors are supporting the kids with food and stationary for school.

On behalf of all the children, teachers, and volunteers at DEPDC, I would like to say thank you to all of our past, present and future donors for your generous support of our mission. People like you represent the crucial partnerships that keep our centre and programs thriving. Please continue to provide your much appreciated support and don’t forget to spread the word about SYSTERM by following, liking, and sharing our updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

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Jun 25, 2020
SYSTERM has fallen on difficult times!

By Katie Ann Crosman | International Volunteer/DEPDC-GMS

The Shan Youth Safety Training to End Risky Migration (SYSTERM) was created as an expansion of DEPDC’s Mekong Youth Union (MYU). SYSTERM is an extension of DEPDC’s core tenet: that education is the key to prevention. Through educating our children in the Sub-Mekong Region we empower them with the agency to protect themselves from human trafficking. The young adults we train return to their communities, establish initiatives, and share the knowledge they gained at DEPDC with their peers. Every child reached through this ever-expanding network is better prepared to combat the issues they face. This is how DEPDC, a small community-based organization, makes a large difference in the surrounding areas.

Our last SYSTERM update was full of exciting new developments, collaborations, and growth. SYSTERM was flourishing until Covid-19 hit and with it the many safety regulations and restrictions that were implemented halted some of the programs momentum. At this time all members of SYSYTERM are pretty quiet because the border between Thailand and Myanmar closed dueto the Covid-19 pandemic. The first bridge has been closed but the second bridge is still open. However people from both sides are not able to cross the border. The second bridge is only open for the transport of goods by shipment.Trucks carrying food, construction equipment, petrol are examples of goods allowed to cross the bridge. The shipping company is allowed to useone driver to cross the second bridge but zero passengers are allowed.These rules are strictly enforced and controlled by the policy of government by Ministry of public health, customs and immigration.

In addition to this all schools have been shut down due to Covid-19. We are all keeping close watch on safety regulations and proposed dates of regulation lifts. As of now, all schools in Thailand and Myanmar are scheduled to reopen July 1, 2020.

We are eagerly awaiting the day that allows us to continue bringing momentum and growth to programs like SYSTERM that are essential to our mission.

On behalf of all the children, teachers, and volunteers at DEPDC, I would like to say thank you to all of our past, present and future donors for your generous support of our mission. People like you represent the crucial partnerships that keep our centre and programs thriving. Please continue to provide your much appreciated support and don’t forget to spread the word about SYSTERM by following, liking, and sharing our updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

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Feb 27, 2020
SYSTERM's work!

By Katie Ann Crosman | International Volunteer/DEPDC-GMS

The Shan Youth Safety Training to End Risky Migration (SYSTERM) was created as an expansion of DEPDC’s Mekong Youth Union (MYU). SYSTERM is an extension of DEPDC’s core tenet: that education is the key to prevention. Through educating our children in the Sub-Mekong Region we empower them with the agency to protect themselves from human trafficking. The young adults we train return to their communities, establish initiatives, and share the knowledge they gained at DEPDC with their peers. Every child reached through this ever-expanding network is better prepared to combat the issues they face. This is how DEPDC, a small community-based organization, makes a large difference in the surrounding areas.

After our last update we are happy to report that the projects from our SYSTERM graduates are still running smoothly with new collaborations and even a new school opening!

Many of SYSTERM’s alumni are still actively working for their local schools. They continue to teach students, educate the next generation on anti-trafficking initiatives and share the knowledge they gained while living, learning and interning at DEPDC.

SYSTERM’s students from Tai Kids Organization in Kyaukme (TKO) worked together with SYSTERM’s alumni at Tai National School and taught Tai language and Tai culture to the students. TKO also had a computer training program for 3 months. This school is closed for semester break and will open again in June.

One of SYSTERM’s alumni started a Tailue school at Bann Rongwoa in Moungyong. He is currently teaching Tailue language as well as Tailue culture. This grassroots initiative has been extremely effective in generating interest and attention around education and awareness. The Tailue village is now using this school as a model in Moungyong with the plan to open more schools in the surrounding areas. This is just one testament to the power of community, outreach, knowledge, and opportunity that the SYSTERM program instills and supports. We are stronger and better together!

On behalf of all the children, teachers, and volunteers at DEPDC, I would like to say thank you to all of our past, present and future donors for your generous support of our mission. People like you represent the crucial partnerships that keep our centre and programs thriving. Please continue to provide your much appreciated support and don’t forget to spread the word about SYSTERM by following, liking, and sharing our updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn!