Using design thinking and innovation camps to combat forced labour: A case example

Educating young people on the risks of forced labour is not only one of the most critical duties in eradicating human trafficking, but due to its clandestine nature, it is also one of the most challenging. Drawing on practical experiences in Colombia, the authors exalt the value of integrating co-creation and innovation tools to promote a more effective, meaningful, and impactful knowledge transfer on forced labour between education disciplines This article, therefore, begins by presenting a descriptive overview of the application of design thinking and innovation camps. Next, the article approximates the application of those methods and instruments in teaching the issue of human trafficking, including forced labour. Then, it examines the opportunities of using design thinking and social innovation camps to educate a new generation with the knowledge, skills, and power to disrupt forced labour. Finally, this article concludes that design thinking and innovation camps are practical methods and instruments to create alternative learning environments to educate the next generation of young changemakers capable of disrupting forced labour through innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.