Ambassador Peter W. Bodde visited several USAID/Nepal-funded projects in Kavrepalanchowk this week that aim to advance the protection of youth, the prevention of human trafficking in Nepal and the prosecution of perpetrators.

USAID/Nepal’s $9.1 million Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) project, implemented by The Asia Foundation (TAF) since 2010, works in 12 districts in Nepal. The project recently doubled in scope to include six new districts to address the increased vulnerability of women and marginalized groups to human trafficking and exploitation as a result of the recent earthquakes.

Ambassador Bodde met with members of Village Committees for Controlling Human Trafficking, and discussed how these local bodies carry out anti-trafficking activities within their communities, particularly in a post-disaster environment. USAID/Nepal, through TAF, has supported over 180 of these groups since 2010. The Ambassador also met with beneficiaries of CTIP livelihood/skills training, and learned how they have successfully established small businesses, assisted in postearthquake construction, and improved the economic well-being of their families.

USAID/Nepal's CTIP program also conducts programs to raise awareness about human trafficking through schools, and to help youth who migrate for jobs to avoid being trafficked. In Koshi Dekha VDC, Ambassador Bodde met with a high school’s headmaster and teachers who have been trained to deliver such programs, as well as students who have benefited from the school's activities to prevent trafficking and promote safe migration for job seekers heading abroad. To date, these trainings have taken place in over 420 community schools across six districts.

"I urge you to continue your great work as young leaders, and to keep making us all proud," Ambassador Bodde told the students.