Daemen University Anti-Trafficking Program

Daemen University Anti-Trafficking Program

This January, 15 students and faculty members from Daemen University completed a two-week faculty-led programme focused on human trafficking prevention in Northern Thailand, culminating in sustained engagement with DEPDC/GMS (Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities / Greater Mekong Subregion) in Mae Sai.

DEPDC/GMS operates a half-day school serving stateless and migrant children and youth (ages 7–20) from ethnic minorities including Shan, Akha, Burmese, Kachin, Karen, Lahu, Wa, and Tai communities. The centre currently functions with only four staff and no external funding agency support — a situation that has worsened post-COVID.

Programme donations this year covered food and activities for Children’s Day activities, a supporting an event co-hosted by Daemen students and DEPDC staff. A cash donation of more than $2000 USD to cover center operations and Daemen student themselves fundraised to pay for new sports equipment. Our students also delivered classroom-based teaching throughout the week, organised sports and creative activities, and participated in a closing ceremony with the children.

Student evaluations indicate strong learning gains across intercultural competence domains with increased cultural appreciation and understanding,understanding diverse values, beliefs, and traditions, and a strong and useful academic experience

Students described the experience as “life-changing” and “incredible”, with several highlighting the value of sustained discomfort as a mechanism for growth — particularly in Mae Sai, where communication required greater effort and cultural navigation was less mediated than in urban Chiang Mai.

I would like to thank Khun Sompop and the DEPDC/GMS (Anti-Human Trafficking NGO)/GMS team for welcoming our group and for the essential work being done daily at Thailand’s northern border.