How can the power of volunteerism transform education in Thailand’s most remote corners? U-Volunteer for School, a pioneering initiative co-launched by the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, the Why I Why Foundation, and five leading universities, set out to answer this by mobilizing university students to support the small and remote “Standalone Schools,” which remain essential to their communities despite facing persistent challenges due to their isolation and lack of resources. Often too geographically distant to be merged with other schools, these schools act as critical lifelines for children with limited access to mainstream education.
To address this, not only have student volunteers from the five leading universities been brought together, but they have also been immersed in a dynamic orientation camp that equipped them with practical tools, bold insights, and real-world strategies through hands-on workshops in educational outreach, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. Informed by the EEF’s data-driven analysis, pilot schools have been carefully selected as the first sites where these young changemakers will step in—not merely as supporters, but as catalysts for long-term transformation in rural education. Only just beginning to take root, the program’s impact now rises in the voices of the volunteers themselves, each carrying a story of challenge, growth, and unwavering purpose, ready to be heard.
United by purpose and driven by empathy, a new generation of student volunteers is forging pathways toward educational equity in Thailand’s most remote areas through vision, action, and unwavering resolve. Among them is Worrakij “Pee” Kamjai, a third-year political science student at the University of Phayao. Through his participation in a three-day intensive volunteer program, he recognized the critical need to mobilize educational resources for underprivileged students. His proactive approach to bridging educational gaps highlights his deep commitment to social equity.
“A tangible first step within the program’s initial five months is mobilizing educational resources to reach students in remote areas. While developing schools is complex—requiring data-driven solutions that meet the needs of both teachers and students—small schools’ chronic lack of infrastructure makes it clear that reducing access barriers through cross-sector efforts, like repairing buildings, enhancing libraries, and supplying materials, can spark long-term change,” shared Kamjai, affirming his dedication to creating lasting, meaningful impact in the field of education.
Building upon this urgency, Kantima “Pan” Mongphet, a student in the Digital Technology for Education program at Kasetsart University and president of the Faculty of Education’s student council, emphasized the power of volunteer networks in addressing inequality. Her leadership is rooted in sustainability, encouraging collaborative participation among youth to ensure lasting educational impact. As she explained, it is not just about expanding learning opportunities to underserved areas, but fostering networks of collaboration between students and communities.
“Once we begin, the network will grow in quantity and quality. We aim to create participatory projects—skill camps, tutoring, and guidance, you name it—and build lasting ties with communities to sustain learning beyond the project. Every child should access opportunities, regardless of income or location, and education must blend life skills with academics for real-world impact. Only through nationwide context-based learning can inequality be reduced, quality human capital developed,” said Mongphet, emphasizing that high-quality learning systems are the foundation of both personal and societal development.
While Mongphet highlights strategic expansion, Ittidech “Cha-Aom” Tueyos, a third-year student in Local Government Services at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, shifts focus to the scale of the crisis: over 1,000 schools in remote areas still lack basic educational infrastructure. He views volunteer efforts as key to bridging this gap, with resource mobilization crucial for increasing opportunities. His belief in collective civic responsibility is at the heart of his dedication to affecting real change.
“If we don’t start today, expecting change to happen is unrealistic,” warned Tueyos, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the educational gap. “We believe that providing educational opportunities now will help children grow into strong individuals who will, in turn, give back to society. However, the current number of volunteers is insufficient, and many areas still lack support. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to become a volunteer when I learned about this project.” His appeal stresses the need for immediate engagement to prevent further delays in addressing inequality and ensuring future generations’ development.
Echoing this call to action with precision and planning, Natsuda “Nat” Kangwan, a fourth-year political science student at Maejo University, advocates for a nuanced understanding of remote schools’ needs. Volunteer mechanisms, she argues, are vital for conducting on-site surveys that gather first-hand insights from teachers and students. These insights form the foundation for developing context-appropriate solutions that can effectively address local challenges.
“The key mission is understanding how and what students need to learn in ways that suit their lives—and then planning accordingly. We want to see students enjoy learning both inside and outside the classroom, and only by understanding what students need to learn and aligning our work accordingly can we make a long-lasting impact,” reflected Kangwan. Her approach focuses on fostering joyful learning and equipping students with both academic and life skills, while empowering teachers to sustain and expand the project’s impact. “If we can extend the outcomes of this project into future academic years, it means our collaborative efforts have succeeded,” she concluded.
The experiences of Worrakij, Kantima, Ittidech, and Natsuda demonstrate how volunteerism can bridge educational gaps in Thailand’s remote communities. Their work underscores the urgent need for hands-on support, local engagement, and data-driven strategies to tackle inequality, showcasing the transformative power of youth-led initiatives grounded in empathy and a shared commitment to educational equity. U-Volunteer for School, part of the Equitable Education Fund’s (EEF) Fundamental School Quality Levels (FSQL) initiative, addresses educational inequality with targeted, research-based solutions. This mission, driven by the EEF’s collaboration and support for those most in need, ensures equitable resource allocation and prioritizes youth skills development, fostering a more inclusive educational system aligned with Thailand’s broader economic and social goals. With this foundation, a network of student volunteers is poised for impactful action. The EEF will monitor their progress and share the evolving impact in the future.
All For Education is all about people; only when all is in for education is Education For All. Join the movement to reduce educational inequality. Support the EEF by donating to fund research, partnerships, and assistance for children, youth, and adults in need of educational support. Click the link to contribute today and help create a society where education is open and equal for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
