Migration issues are undoubtedly pertinent to KAIPTC and its partners, as evidenced by the theme of this year’s flagship KAPS Forum. In this interview, a KAIPTC alumnus who participated in the 2024 Migration Management Course sponsored by the Government of Switzerland shares some perspectives about the course.
Juliana Adama Vandy is the Strategic Communications Adviser with the Outreach Coordination Unit at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education of the Government of Sierra Leone. She participated in the Migration Management programme held at KAIPTC in February 2024.
Editor: Why was it important for you to pursue the Migration Management course?
Juliana: As a government worker in the field of outreach and civic education, a strong understanding of migration management is crucial to my work. The ongoing challenge of irregular migration, particularly among young people who form a large portion of our population, necessitates effective outreach strategies. The migration management course will provide me with the knowledge and skills to address this concern.
Recent research done by Worldometre reveals a concerning trend – the median age of emigrants is 19.5, highlighting a significant exodus of young people, a development concern for the country such as Sierra Leone which has grappled with irregular migration, particularly concerning labor migration among young people. This rapid exodus raises concerns for their safety and the country’s development.
Effective migration management is crucial and key in fostering informed decision-making through outreach sensitization and public education. Equipping people with proper knowledge of migration processes empowers them to make safe and responsible choices. By prioritizing outreach and education, we can work towards more appropriate migration management in Sierra Leone.
Editor: What are some of the most memorable aspects of this learning experience?
Juliana: These would include:
- Migration Management and Security Governance in West Africa. During this session, I realized how most of the migration challenges cut across in all the countries represented and how we all need to cooperate to ensure the orderly and humane movement of people across borders.
- Learning about Human Rights including Migration and Gender Issues. This part of the course actually taught me to see migration with a human right lens and gave me the knowledge on how to handle migrants when I come in contact with them.
- Getting to know that we need more international cooperation and bilateral agreement to properly manage migration.
- And finally the visit to Akanu and Aflao border posts to get firsthand experience of how some border posts within the region operate.
Editor: Could you please share what practical experience (‘on-the-job’ experience) you gained?
Juliana: My job as an Outreach professional, and this course has given me valuable knowledge that has significantly enhance my ability to communicating migration management issues in my day-to-day outreach activities. This new found expertise has empowered me to advocate for my government to prioritize clear and effective communication on migration management across the ministry and agencies involved in migration-related processes.
Editor: How do you intend to utilize the skills you gained from this course in your work?
Juliana:
- Advocate for the creation of a Migration Communication Desk/Unit in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the process of migration.
- Advocate for the prioritization for Migration Management in our Civic Education Engagements.
- Organize a pre-departure sensitization programme for intending migrants.
- Provide capacity enhancement training for frontline border officials to enable them
- Understand and properly implement the country’s migration policy.
- Conduct civic engagement with community/opinion leaders within border communities.
- Organize a pre-departure sensitization for intending labor migrants
Editor: What is your impression of the course delivery?
Juliana: I am truly impressed! The quality of the course was good. The facilitators carefully selected the relevant topics, and employed engaging methodologies. This course will have significant impact on my current work in Civic Education and Outreach particularly in migration management in Sierra Leone.
Editor: Based on your experience, would you recommend KAIPTC training to others, and why?
Juliana: Definitely, I will highly recommend KAIPTC trainings to anyone seeking to enhance their career skillset. The Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Training Centre offers a wide range of courses from the foundation programmes to advance topics, catering for all levels of experiences. The interactive nature of the classes fosters learning not only from instructors but also from fellow international participants, creating a truly enriching and global learning experience.