By: Eustoria Marie Borja
KOROR, Palau — The Asia Foundation, in partnership with USAID’s Pacific RISE-CTIP initiative, held a Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) Fair on Friday, August 30, at Ernguul Park to raise awareness and educate youth about human trafficking.
Students from five local schools played a key role in the event, presenting their research on critical topics like “What constitutes trafficking?” and “Who can become a victim of trafficking?” The presentations also focused on ways students can help prevent trafficking in their communities. Using various formats—including PowerPoint slides, project boards, and even TikTok videos—students shared their findings creatively and engagingly.
A Mock Congress served as another highlight of the fair, featuring student representatives from grades 8 to 12 and various school clubs. Participants debated the merits and drawbacks of increasing funding for anti-trafficking efforts, offering them a hands-on experience with the legislative process and the complexities of combating human trafficking in the Pacific Islands.
Later in the afternoon, students took part in a scavenger hunt that brought them into contact with various agencies engaged in Palau’s CTIP initiatives. Among the participating organizations were the Office of the Vice President, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), the Division of Employment Services, the Office of Labor Compliance, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, as well as civil society organizations like the Belau Association of NGOs and the Palau Chamber of Commerce.
The Asia Foundation expressed gratitude to all the government agencies, civil society organizations, and volunteers whose support helped make the CTIP Fair a success.
The Pacific RISE-CTIP project is a five-year initiative funded by USAID and led by The Asia Foundation, aimed at protecting, preventing, and prosecuting trafficking in persons across the Pacific Islands. The program is designed to strengthen regional efforts to combat human trafficking.