The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has taken a significant step in the fight against human trafficking by training 60 members of Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs) in Edo State.
The training, held in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, aimed to empower PTA members with knowledge and skills to advocate against human trafficking in their communities.
The training was conducted in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Centre for Development and Cultural Interchange (CDCI), with funding from the Government of Netherlands and ICMPD.
The project, known as the School Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and promote advocacy efforts to end the menace.
According to the ICMPD Project Officer, Elvis Ederibhalo, the training is designed to equip PTA members with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate children and families about the risks of human trafficking.
He emphasized that the training is crucial in empowering PTA members to become ambassadors against human trafficking in their communities.
The training also featured paper presentations on human trafficking, irregular migration, child labour, slavery, and referral pathways, among other topics.
The presenters included officials from NAPTIP, who shared their expertise and experiences in combating human trafficking.
The participants, including principals and PTA members, pledged to support the advocacy efforts against human trafficking in their communities.
They lauded the ICMPD, NAPTIP, and CDCI for organizing the training and promised to use their newfound knowledge to educate others about the dangers of human trafficking.