FCA Thailand Joins Forces with FCA Myanmar and FCA Nepal to Empower Migrant Youth

April 2025

Migration continues to shape the lives of young people across Myanmar, Thailand, and the broader region, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Many youth migrants face job insecurity, discrimination, and social exclusion, highlighting the urgent need for programs that foster resilience and inclusion. In response, Finn Church Aid (FCA), with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, is launching ‘Youth on the Move: A Regional Approach to Resilience’–an initiative designed to equip Myanmar migrant youth with the tools they need to navigate migration safely and build a more secure future.

As part of this regional effort, FCA Thailand will play a crucial role in supporting Myanmar migrant youth living in Thailand by providing career counselling and labour rights education to help young migrants reduce their risk of exploitation. Further, the project will strengthen existing youth networks to create a sense of collective support. FCA Thailand has partnered with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) and the School for Wellbeing Studies and Research (SEM) to ensure access to close-knit youth networks along Thai-Myanmar border regions. These partnerships will help promote meaningful dialogue between migrants and host communities, fostering a more inclusive society where young people can contribute positively to their communities.

A key component of the program will be a Youth Social Cohesion & Collective Action Fellowship, designed to equip Myanmar migrant youth living in Thailand in leadership, dialogue, conflict resolution and collective action. Through the expertise of the Peacemakers Network, and local organisation SEM, participants will be equipped with these skills, the initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence. The fellowship will also offer networking opportunities, mentorship, and engagement with key community stakeholders, empowering youth to take an active role in shaping their own futures and positively impacting their community.

Recognizing the importance of community engagement, FCA Thailand will collaborate with religious and community leaders to foster greater understanding between migrants and host communities. Through the fellowship programme, FCA Thailand is committed to supporting around 50 Myanmar migrant youth between the ages of 18 and 25.

Project Duration and Key Milestone

The project runs from January-December 2025, with the possibility of renewal. Currently, the regional team is now fully active, working on program implementation. Key components include:

1. A Thailand Labour Market Assessment and research study;
2. The development of training modules tailored to migrant youth needs;
3. Career Guidance and Counselling (CGC) training sessions, providing young migrants with tools to navigate the job market; and
4. Implementation of the Youth Social Cohesion and Collective Action Fellowship, offering hands-on leadership, dialogue, and peacebuilding training.

Stay tuned for more updates as the program unfolds, and we look forward to working with local partners to support young migrants in building a brighter future!

For more information or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact Divya Moorjani at Divya.moorjani@kua.fi.