Youth Connection - Promoting safe migration, education, and vocational training

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In Cambodia, millions have migrated to Thailand for seasonal or short-term work over the past two decades. This type of migration is predominantly irregular because undocumented routes are less costly and complicated, but also exposing these migrants to the risk of human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. Primary drivers of temporary labour migration are lack of gainful employment and alternative sources of income and chronic poverty. Most migrants are young and have limited education. Annually, 230'000 Cambodian youth drop out of school with poor proficiency in reading and math. In rural Cambodia, fewer than 34% of adolescents attend secondary education, and approximately 6% opt for technical and vocational training. Dropout rates peak at grades 7, 9, and 12, marking crucial educational transitions, with levels reaching about 20%. Many youths are drawn to Thailand by its demand for unskilled and semi-skilled workers, offering significantly higher daily wage rates than in Cambodia. These young labour migrants are vulnerable to various abuses, such as trafficking, domestic violence, parental negligence, sexual abuse, and labour exploitation.

Recognizing the vital role of youth in society, their voices and contributions are often overlooked, with limited educational opportunities and dismissed recreational activities. To empower youth for positive change, expanding their participation and capacity is essential. Initiatives like vocational education and training (VET) programs can provide opportunities for skill enhancement, especially for dropped-out, poor, and marginalized groups.

Caritas Switzerland and the partner organization Child’s Dream will collaborate to tackle the described challenges by creating content to promote safe migration, education, and social cohesion among youth. The two organizations will leverage their strengths, with Caritas Switzerland focusing on safe migration, child protection, and anti-human trafficking, and Child’s Dream concentrating on education and promoting civil space for youth. To ensure alignment with National Strategies and sustainability, the project will work closely with the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) and the Department of Education, Youth and Sports.

The project seeks to achieve its goal through the following key strategies (outputs):

1. Identifying effective Outreach Methods: Conducting assessments and surveys, including social media surveys and focus group discussions, to understand the most effective ways to reach youth.
2. Involving High School Dropouts in Safe Migration Training: Encouraging the participation of high school dropouts in safe migration training and workshops.
3. Encouraging Participation in Safe Migration and VET Activities: Motivating school dropouts and out-of-school youth to engage in activities related to safe migration and vocational education and training (VET).

To determine the best approaches, insights from the assessments and surveys will guide the planning of interactive events. This will involve creating tailored messages, utilizing social media platforms, and promoting peer exchange. Additionally, face-to-face trainings and the formation of youth groups will be integral components. These activities collectively aim to effectively reach and involve youth, utilizing diverse campaign methods and approaches. The overarching objective is to promote awareness about safe migration and provide information about alternative education and employment opportunities (Outcome).