UP is taking significant steps to combat the issue of school dropouts in Thailand, as part of the country’s Zero Dropout initiative.

Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, the President of the University of Phayao, appointed Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon, Assistant to the President, and Assistant Professor Dr. Santiwat Pithakpol, Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Institute, as representatives of the university to participate in the Forum: Youth in The Future held on November 30th, 2024, at TK Park Learning Center, Phayao Municipality.

          Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon participated in a discussion on the topic of “The State of Dropout Youth in Phayao Province and Strategies for Reintegration into the Education System,” in line with the goals of the Thailand Zero Dropout initiative. The session focused on policy and practical approaches to identifying and reintegrating out-of-school youth, with an emphasis on developing a flexible learning ecosystem that caters to the specific needs of these individuals. The Provincial Office of Learning Encouragement was highlighted as a key organization in providing flexible learning pathways, having successfully assisted 30% of over 3,000 dropout youth in returning to the education system.         

The panel discussion included esteemed panelists such as:

          1. Dr. Apiwat Kansriwiang, Phayao Provincial Education

          2. Mr. Surapol Wongwan, Director of the Phayao Provincial Office of Learning Encouragement

          3. Mr. It Pakkanthorn, Academic Plan Management, Area-Based Education (ABE), Equitable Education Fund (EEF)

          Assistant Professor Dr. Santiwat Pithakpol presented updates on lifelong learning initiatives in the Phayao region. These efforts focus on sustainable development and foster collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Phayao Provincial Education Office, Phayao Municipality, the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization, the Provincial Office of Learning Encouragement, and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF). These partnerships operate under the Phayao Learning City framework led by the University of Phayao, demonstrating a collective commitment to addressing educational disparities and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all.

          The Forum: Youth in The Future event was honored by the presence of Mr. Thawat Suthawong, Chief Executive of the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization, who delivered the welcoming remarks to participants. Following this, Mr. Surapol Wongwan, Director of the Phayao Provincial Office of Learning Encouragement, discussed the collaboration in driving lifelong learning initiatives towards sustainability in Phayao. The event was further enriched by the participation of Ms. Thanthida Wongsong, Director of the Innovation Development Office for Learning Opportunities under the Education Equality Fund, Mr. It Pakkanthorn, Acting Director of the Area-Based Education Development Office at EEF, and Ms. Warittha Kaewket, Senior Academic Officer in the International Affairs Department, Innovation for Learning Opportunity Development Office.

          The event marked the launch of the “2nd Phayao Birding Festival”, which aims to promote reading and learning through collaborative efforts with the Nong Leng Sai Non-hunting Area, Thap Phaya Lo Non-hunting Area, Wiang Lo Non-hunting Area, Phayao Learning City, and the University of Phayao. A total of 72 participants from remote schools took part in this birding competition, which was designed to inspire a love for nature and enhance reading skills through the study of birding guides.

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