A Call to Action and Leadership for Myanmar Youth

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. 

The consequences of the COVID-19 global pandemic have affected many of the programs here at DEPDC. The second wave of infections spread quickly through the areas. Thailand borders became very strict and did not allow non-citizens to enter Thailand.  Some areas have even had to close down schools. As difficult as all of this has been, there have been some bight moments throughout all the hardships.

This semester some of the SYSTERM’s members registered with the online education program in order to continue their education.  Through the distance learning programs the members are ableto study independently. All of them are very eager to study Thai language. They will begin with primary school.

At Mong Yawng, the SYSTERM members continued their dedication to teaching and are working hard to build a new school. In order to meet the funding needs for the school building they have created fundraising events. They still do not have the necessary budget but are hoping that they will in the near future.

Some of SYSTERM’s membersreturned to DEPDCfor a visit and to help teach English online with DEPDC’s founder. The SYSTERM members also offered support to the HDS students and mentored them through the sharing of their own experiences.

On behalf of all the SYSTERM alumni, staffs, and volunteers at DEPDC, we would like to say thank you to all our past, present and future donors for your generous support. People like you represent the necessary partnerships that keep our centre flourishing. We are truly grateful.