Three recent graduates from the spring 2024 cohort of 25 students for the intensive three-month course under the “Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP)” have shared their views about the programme and how they plan to apply the new knowledge gained in their respective institutions.
Based at the United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), the full-time three-month course is addressed for partner country-government officials working in migration policy and funded by the EU through the Migration Partnership Facility.
Now in its second phase, the programme covers areas such as migration management and protection, migration and development, and migration policies, encouraging participants to apply a holistic approach to migration management and guide them in how to mainstream migration into across sectors, agencies and government levels.
Peer-to-peer learning is a central component of the training programme; reinforced by interactive sessions, networking opportunities and field visits to key migration institutions in Brussels, Geneva and The Hague.
“This training has been quite enriching.”
Nathalie Andria-Manantena,
Head of Emigration Monitoring, Directorate of Diaspora and Migration Issues,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madagascar
How was your overall experience?
Some time ago, a colleague introduced me to the MMDP program, highlighting its potential value for my work. Though I didn't pay close attention then, the name stuck. In 2023 I revisited the program website. The MMDP description perfectly aligned with my new role [within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs], prompting me to enroll.
This training has been quite enriching. It has opened doors to a deeper understanding of my role at the Directorate. The MMDP equipped me with tools to advocate within my hierarchy for implementing measures that can improve the lives of our [Malagasy] fellow citizens abroad and positively impact those forced to flee their home countries.
How do you plan to apply and share the knowledge gained?
Before MMDP, I associated migration and development solely with diaspora engagement. The programme revealed the connection between labour migration management and irregular migrant integration programs.
Additionally, the data collection and analysis course reconciled me with numbers. When I became Head of Emigration Monitoring, I struggled with managing data on Malagasy migrants received from diplomatic missions. I attempted to create basic explanatory tables. Thankfully, the migration profile created in the first module can now serve as a model for my semi-annual and annual reports.
What are the main take-aways from this diploma?
"The MMDP journey will be very intense," the coordinators warned at the programme's start. I initially scoffed - I thought four hours a day wouldn't be too challenging. However, the intensity was real – in terms of course content, agenda, and networking. The modules were both crucial and demanding, covering the entire spectrum of migration management.
The problem-based learning (PBL) method effectively consolidated the knowledge gained in lectures. Coming from an island nation, our experiences differed from those of mainland Africa or Europe. However, PBL offered valuable insights into other realities.
The programme's intensity extended to the caliber of participants. Being from an island, I rarely interacted with African neighbors, especially those from the Commonwealth. MMDP exposed me to the rich tapestry of African culture, as well as countries like Bangladesh, Georgia, Pakistan, and Jordan, who shared similar realities. The time spent together in class and on weekend outings were truly memorable.
Read the first part of this series, featuring Adrian Owiny from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda.
Applications for the next cohort of students for the MMDP are now open until October 1 2024. Visit the UNU-Merit website for more details.
NB. This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.