The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand in collaboration with KFC Thailand, the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, and the Infinite Intelligence Foundation, convened a discussion to design an educational curriculum to provide options and address the needs of children and adolescents in the justice system. This initiative engaged stakeholders in Ubon Ratchathani Province, including the Ubon Ratchathani Secondary Educational Service Area Office, the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre of Ubon Ratchathani Province, Youth Training Centers Region 5 Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office of Learning Encouragement, Skill Development Institute Region 7 Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani Shelter for Children and Families, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Education Office, and Ubon Ratchathani Education Council. The participants exchanged ideas and presented resources to establish networking mechanisms, create tools, and develop collaborative work systems.
This collaboration arises from KFC Thailand’s partnership with the EEF, the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, and the Infinite Intelligence Foundation to advance the ‘Thailand Zero Dropout’ initiative to tackle the issue of children dropping out of the education system. This initiative was sparked by the KFC Bucket Search project, launched with the belief that no one with potential should be left behind in December 2023. The flagship event, ‘Bucket Search Club: Out-of-the-Box Children Club,’ saw the participation of 130 youths from the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, where they learned about competency development to apply in their lives.
The project’s commitment to sustainable collaboration with youth in the justice system led to this discussion, supported by the working group networks in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The objective was to mobilize resources and identify appropriate educational management strategies tailored to the needs of the target youth, especially in vocational training through a Credit Bank system. This system aims to provide flexible learning pathways for youth to pursue higher education and obtain education certificates for future careers, serving as a long-term model for Ubon Ratchathani Province and beyond.
Mrs. Jaruwan Bunto, Director of the Ubon Ratchathani Secondary Educational Service Area Office in Amnat Charoen, emphasized the responsibility of the Educational Service Area Office to oversee education in line with the National Education Act. She highlighted the principle of enhancing the quality of children and youth to develop them into well-rounded individuals. She stressed that beyond educational institutions, communities, individuals, and other agencies must collaborate in organizing education.
“Today, it is crucial to recognize the importance of every child and youth in the nation’s development. With Thailand fully entering an aging society and a declining birth rate, it is vital to raise children into complete, quality adults. We must not forget the risks and societal insecurities they face. Education cannot be the sole responsibility of schools and educational agencies. We need collective efforts to create an education model that ensures no child is left behind and opportunities for quality personnel development are not diminished.
“Today’s collaboration signifies our shared belief that every child, if properly cared for and educated, will grow up with quality. The design of activities and learning plans for specific target groups, through cooperation between the Department of Observance, Equitable Education Fund, KFC, and the Infinite Intelligence Foundation, is a crucial starting point. This collaboration aims to drive quality education for youth in the justice system, who have unique conditions and needs. Education must extend beyond traditional schooling to include proactive, interest-based learning.
“The Secondary Educational Service Area Office is proud to introduce courses we have developed, covering both essential knowledge and vocational skills. This initiative aims to provide additional opportunities for youth in the justice system in Ubon Ratchathani and beyond.”
Ms. Jannette Rungsitthikul, Senior Marketing Manager at KFC Thailand Foundation, highlighted KFC’s commitment to ‘people development,’ not only within their workforce but also through various ‘opportunity provision’ projects for those in need, including educational opportunities. She mentioned that KFC’s partnership with the Equitable Education Fund revealed many youths have dropped out of the education system but still possess untapped potential.
“We realized that the school system is not the solution for everyone. The key is reintegrating these youths into society. This led to our collaboration with the Equitable Education Fund and like-minded networks. KFC offers a career skills development course, akin to a ‘school,’ supported by over a thousand branches nationwide. We believe the programs we develop together will flourish, providing career opportunities and spreading education at the local level.
“KFC operates two main programs for youth needing opportunities: Work and Study, which combines education and employment, and Special Needs, which offers comprehensive vocational training. These programs aim to help learners discover their strengths and passions, facilitating long-term career growth. By enhancing participation from all sectors, we can create a learning ecosystem that transforms work experience into educational ‘credits,’ preparing these youths for future employment.”
Mr. Yuthasak Rungruangnara, Director of the Juvenile Justice System Development Division, stated that providing education for youth in the justice system is a mission of the Department of Observance. This includes integrating education into the rehabilitation process, offering both formal qualifications and vocational training tailored to the needs of troubled youths. The Department has partnered with the Equitable Education Commission since 2020 to introduce ‘non-formal education’ and ‘informal education,’ creating flexible learning opportunities that allow youths in the justice system to continue their education and increase their chances of graduation. This approach has fostered further collaboration with other agencies and the private sector to support educational initiatives.
Ms. Nisa Kaewkamthong, Deputy Director of the Office of Innovation Development to Create Learning Opportunities at the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, stated that the EEF and the Department of Observance share a common objective: to provide more educational opportunities for youth in the justice system. This goes beyond the traditional options provided by the Office of the Vocational Education Commission or the NFE. The alternative educational model they have developed emphasizes engaging these youth in areas of personal interest, guiding them towards career paths, and enabling the transfer of their knowledge and experience into educational qualifications.
“The Equitable Education Fund initiated a pilot project in 2022 at the Child and Youth Training Center, District 5, in Ubon Ratchathani, and a nearby Observation Center. This project involved around 200 youths and resulted in the creation of a unique educational model in the form of a learning center. This model helps these young individuals graduate with qualifications that enable them to pursue careers. This educational approach has now been expanded nationwide, with approximately 2,000 youths in the justice system studying through this learning center system. The tangible success of this initiative has attracted the private sector, particularly KFC Thailand, to collaborate in supporting these youths. This support includes offering internships and employment opportunities within the KFC network and beyond, utilizing the skills and knowledge acquired through the program.”
The Deputy Director further explained that creating educational opportunities for youth in the justice system aligns with the Thailand Zero Dropout mission, which aims to ensure that every child receives an education. The EEF and its partners need cooperation from all sectors to connect the paths of youths who have left the education system, to design care and assistance plans tailored to their potential and needs. This approach aims to provide flexible educational options that cater to the diverse needs of all youth.
Mr. Supachai Traithaiteera, the Director of The Infinite Intelligence Learning Center (the Panya Kal Learning Center) stated that this collaboration aims to provide flexible and diverse education tailored to individual children and adolescents. The Foundation has worked in various formats, including educational management in learning centers, in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection and the EEF, to offer children in the justice system opportunities to complete their education like other children. Additionally, a continuously implemented program is designed to develop children into entrepreneurs through the “Career Development” process. This program collaborates with the Skill Development Institute, the Provincial Labor Office, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Thai Industries. It features a curriculum called “Young Boots-Up,” aimed at developing entrepreneurial and vocational skills based on interests and aptitudes and providing learners practical business experience. The process encourages children to discover their interests, plan their careers, enhance their skills, and develop business plans. After two years of implementation, increasing interest from the private sector led to a collaboration with KFC, targeting children in Ubon Ratchathani correctional facilities. All relevant agencies have been invited to exchange working experiences.
The Director of the Infinite Intelligence Learning Center (the Panya Kal Learning Center) concluded by stating, “All the information gathered will serve as the basis for drafting educational management guidelines. The first part will involve extracting processes and various tools to support learning centers interested in designing educational programs in collaboration with businesses. Secondly, Infinite Intelligence Learning Center (the Panya Kal Learning Center) will plan more flexible and diverse educational management for the academic year 2024 to increase learning opportunities and life paths for children in the justice system.”
