Written by Mekong Institute

This report evaluates the 5th Regional Training Course, “Combating Human Trafficking in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.” The course was organized by the United Nations Inter-Agency Project (UNIAP), secretariat to COMMIT (Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking) and the Mekong Institute. It was held at the Mekong Institute in Khon Kaen, Thailand from 15-23 January 2007.
Twenty-four government officials, six personnel from UNIAP National Project offices and INGO staff from the six Greater Mekong Sub-regions countries attended the course. The participants are middle to senior level government officials from various ministries in the GMS, who have a primary responsibility for combating human trafficking.

The Regional Training Programme curriculum comprises five modules:

• Module A: Introduction to Human Trafficking
• Module B: Prevention of Human Trafficking
• Module C: Protection
• Module D: Prosecution
• Module E: Policy

The course not only exposed participants to the emerging trends and complexities of human trafficking issues, but also further fostered development of a network of GMS professionals committed to combating the problem.

Participants developed knowledge and skills through a wide range of course activities and learning methods. Course activities included presentations by facilitators, class discussions, group work/ assignments, panel discussions, case studies, role-play, video presentations and course-related social and recreational activities. All participants indicated their overall satisfaction as good (46 percent) or excellent (39 percent) for the eight and a half day course. The participants stated attained with regard to professional skill development, including presentation and English communication. They also said that they had developed friendships and developed professional contacts and networks with others in the community.

Five resource personnel assisted participants wt knowledge and skills development as well as professional network formation. Participants confirmed that the resource staff were qualified,network formation, Participants confirmed that the resource staff were qualified, experienced, spoke with enthusiasm, gave clear explanations, made the learning participatory, provided good lecture notes and used a variety of learning activities throughout the course, and encouraged them to learn. They received excellent or good ratings from participants.

MI facilitates and services were also assessed. Participants state that MI’s Internet and intranet facilities are excellent. The helpfulness of MI staff and reception desk were also rated excellent.

The report concludes that the Regional Training Programme was successful. The course participants, resource personnel and MI academic department staff provided valuable recommendations on curriculum, learning activities and methods for future course offerings. These recommendations are summarized in Section 5 of this report.