MECPATHS work continues to extend and expand with the support of many generous groups, individuals, organisations and enterprises whose values align with the work of the project. Grounding the work in collaboration, MECPATHS has grown exponentially over the past number of years and the work continues to make waves around the country.
A small partnership with Tusla in 2022 has extended, due to the measurable need, to incorporate training for all of Tusla’s Social Workers, Management and Administrative staff. The collaboration takes the form of Online and in-person workshops and grew with an invitation for JP and Ann to join a number of working groups to develop National Policy on Child Trafficking and to support the development of Procedural responses for the Child and Family Agency.
MECPATHS connected with The Private Security Authority (PSA) in early 2021 following the re-airing of Do Disturb, the documentary co-produced by MECPATHS, for Newstalk. On October 19 2023, to mark EU Anti-Trafficking Day, following many months of preparations by the MECPATHS Team, a training partnership was launched with a pledge to train approximately 43,000 PSA Licensees in the coming 3-year period. Minister Helen McEntee proudly supported the launch and pledged her office’s support to the thMECPATHS Team. This is the first time a piece of training on Anti Trafficking has been legislated for, making MECPATHS online training mandatory for any licensee wishing to renew their license to be a professional security officer. The MECPATHS team is particularly proud of this achievement and recognises the immense work undertaken by The PSA to make this happen- a first for MECPATHS and a first for Ireland.
Maynooth University has had a long-lasting relationship with MECPATHS’ work, as their initial partner to develop and deliver an accredited module on Human Trafficking for their students. On October 23rd, this long-lasting relationship was formalised with the pledged partnership and embedding of MECPATHS workshops in the Primary Education Curriculae of the University in partnership with The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education- Ann and JP appreciated Vice President, Professor Mulkeen being present who delivered the key-note address at the launch and who commended the partnership as being necessary and timely. The launch was very well attended by academics, students, friends of MECPATHS and members of the Anti Trafficking community in Ireland.
The project often receives requests from members of the public, and the Congregation, who ask what they can do to help. Whilst the training and education are delivered by Ann and JP year round, there are other ways to support the work of the project including raising awareness. In October of this year, MECPATHS relaunched an awareness animation which had previously received almost 20,000 interactions online. If you would like to spread the word about the work of MECPATHS, we invite you to view the animation and to share it with your friends, family and Sisters. The animation can be viewed here – Thank You!
Comments or questions to info@mecpaths.com
