A Call to Action and Leadership for Myanmar Youth

Shan Youth Safety Training to End Risky Migration (SYSTERM) was created as an expansion of DEPDC’s Mekong Youth Union (MYU), which was initially established to provide a means of collaboration among 96 young leaders who completed a five-year leadership programme called the Mekong Youth Network (MYN) back in 2009. MYN taught the young leaders about initiating grassroots movements that could prevent human-trafficking within their own communities.

 This past July, the first group of SYSTERM students graduated after completing this six- month pilotprogramme. Following graduation, many students returned home to share the knowledge gained from their experiences living, learning, and interning at DEPDC. They have also begun to host classes and workshops in their local schools and temples, guided by the belief in the importance of education in securing human rights, in creating greater personal and professional opportunities, and in bettering their communities. The SYSTERM graduates may also seek to connect with the members of MYU to expand anti-trafficking initiatives, as well as jump-start their own local movements to prevent, to protect, to support, and to inspire others.

 As we have previously mentioned, we are eager to expand the scope of SYSTERM and tailor it in a way to encompass more countries in Southeast Asia. This would increase our direct impact on at-risk communities, as well as allow us to forge more transnational partnerships with organisations with a similar mission.

 On behalf of all the children, teachers, and volunteers at DEPDC, I would like to say thank you for your generous support of our mission. People like you represent the crucial partnerships that keep our centre thriving, and I appreciate having you all as allies as we push to eliminate the risk of human-trafficking in our communities. 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!