In Cambodia, rates of youth migration are high, as youth leave their families and home communities in search of job opportunities. Current data shows that less than 35% of adolescents are enrolled in lower secondary school, and that many are leaving school to migrate through illegal, irregular, and highly risky channels, leaving them without the protection and information that regulated migration can provide.
In 2013, with funding support from the Dream Blue Foundation, World Education began the development of Cambodia’s first ever Khmer-language website and accompanying Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, aimed at providing migrant or potential migrant youth with information to help them stay safe. The website – aims.worlded.org – developed through the project has learning modules that cover illegal migration, recruitment companies, work contracts and wages, how to avoid being trafficked or cheated, and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while away from home. For those with limited computer access and skills, or limited written Khmer literacy, lessons have audio options and the website is coupled with an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system which provides the same information over the phone. Trainings on the use of the website and IVR system were conducted by peer educators in schools, communities, and factories, and included lessons on how to use information and communications technology safely.
Given the success of the AIMS pilot, and the persistent rise in youth unsafe migration rates, World Education is seeking continued support for a roll-out of Internet and AIMS website training to a great number of lower secondary schools, youth and migrant networks, and factories. In addition, World Education hopes to develop a Safe Migration life-skills training package based on the website, to consolidate safer migration learning and behavior change among youth in Cambodia.