Bangkok, 8 June 2025 – The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) of Thailand cordially invites educators, policymakers, researchers, and all interested stakeholders to join the upcoming session of the EEF International Forum Phase V, under the theme: “Stop! School Dropout: A Collective Intervention Model to Prevent Early School Leaving.” The event will be held online on Wednesday, 19 June 2025, from 14:00–15:25 hrs. (Bangkok Time) and aims to offer an evidence-based global perspective on addressing school dropout through a multidimensional understanding of poverty at the household and community levels.

The keynote speaker for this session is Dr. Martin Burt, Founder and Executive Director of Fundación Paraguaya and the innovator behind the globally recognized Poverty Stoplight methodology—an award-winning social innovation tool endorsed by the United Nations and now implemented in over 60 countries, reaching more than 2.8 million people worldwide.

The Poverty Stoplight approach redefines poverty beyond income by disaggregating it into 50 actionable indicators across six life dimensions: income and employment, health and environment, housing and infrastructure, education and culture, civic participation, and inner well-being and motivation. Using a simple traffic light system (red, yellow, green), families are empowered to assess their own living conditions and develop personalized life plans to overcome specific barriers.

In this special session, Dr. Martin Burt will share practical insights and international case studies demonstrating how this tool has been used to address root causes of school dropout, many of which lie beyond the classroom. He will introduce the concept of the “Life Map”—a tailored planning tool for students, parents, teachers, and school leaders—which enables a contextual and person-centered intervention design. The session will also highlight the Bank of 130 Poverty Solutions, a repository of innovative responses ranging from household infrastructure upgrades and health campaigns to educational coaching, financial literacy, and family strengthening initiatives.

Also featured in this session is Dr. Somchai Jitsuchon, Research Director for Inclusive Development at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). Dr. Somchai will provide a systemic Thai perspective on the socioeconomic roots of school dropout, focusing particularly on the vulnerabilities of “fragmented families.” His talk will explore Thailand’s social protection systems and the potential of family- and community-based interventions in building a “welfare society” that supports continuous learning and breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

This international forum is especially relevant for school leaders, educators, development practitioners, and university students in the fields of education, public health, and social innovation—particularly those working in underserved areas or with marginalized populations. The event presents a timely opportunity to explore practical strategies and global innovations that place families and communities at the center of educational equity efforts.

Participation is free of charge. To join the webinar via Zoom, please register in advance at: https://zoom.us/j/92341055818?pwd=AAWzWh5r5teNJu8NAguOHhmWewgNwV.1 Or scan the QR Code below.

The session will also be broadcast live via Facebook at @EEFThailand and EEF Inter-Forums.

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About EEF International Forums:

The EEF International Forums, an initiative from the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, experience, views, and innovations related to education and vocational training for disadvantaged children and youths. Since its inception in 2019, the seminar initially took place on-site three times before transitioning to an online format due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this change, the seminar’s reach expanded significantly, accommodating a broader scope of content encompassing knowledge exchange for EEF network partners as well. This inclusive approach welcomed speakers from diverse countries, enhancing the richness and diversity of perspectives shared during the sessions. The online events are broadcast via Zoom and Facebook Live, with seminar videos available for later viewing on Facebook and YouTube.

For more information about the Equitable Education Fund and the EEF International Forums, please visit https://www.facebook.com/EEFInterForums?mibextid=ZbWKwL and EEF International Forums – EEF – Equitable Education Fund