The Mekong Sub-region, which comprises of Myanmar, Laos PDR, the southern Yunnan province of China, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam; is well known for its human trafficking networks. Each year thousands of women and girls, many from ethnic minorities, are trafficked from these countries. Thailand has become the gateway or “receiving country” for many of these women.

These victims are either lured or forced into trafficking due to poverty, lack of education or the absence of proper citizenship. The goal of the Mekong Youth Net (MYN) programme is to train youth leaders to combat human trafficking across the Mekong region.

There are several basic problems in the communities where human trafficking victims come from which make them more vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation.

Poverty: family members do not own land, are unemployed, have little income or are debt.

Insufficient education: there are no schools, teachers or opportunities to access basic primary education leaving many children naïve and illiterate.

Illegal immigrants: many have crossed the border illegally or have no documents or certificates hence leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

To create a group of youth leaders to network against human trafficking in the Mekong Sub-region. To educate potential leaders on how to start a prevention programme at the community level in their own countries. To form a link between individuals, NGOs and GOs for future collaboration and support. To share the experience and knowledge of DEPDC with others. To support the star of a children and women’s rights protection centre covering the entire Mekong Sub-region.

Young women wishing to apply to the MYN programme must meet the following criteria;

Be between the ages of 15 and 25.

From one of the countries of the Mekong Sub-region (may be a member of any  hill tribe or minority group).

Be able to read and write in their own language.

Willing and interested in participating in social development work.

Single

Family agrees and supports the decision to participate in the programme.

Willing and able to commit to the programme of training  and practice for at least one year.

Willing to return to work in their own community with a GO, NGO or to start their own child rights protection project.

Flexible, patient and committed to serve people.

No behavioural problems ( e.g. drug or alcohol abuse)

The following subjects are covered during the MYN training programme:

Introdcution to the Mekong Region – politics, social problems, changes etc.

Cultural Studies – language, ethnic culture and hill tribes of the region

Social problems – study specific social problems facing the indigenous people such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, education etc;

International issues – human rights, trafficking, illegal drugs etc;

Research skills – basic research methodology and report writing.

Management training – team building, organizational  development, office work and administration

Sociology – women’s studies, hill tribe family studies, family planning etc;

Here are the latest forms for application to the MYN programme.

Application Form

Parent / Guardian Consent Form