Building Relationships, Striving for Development
“The police, SAO, and PCU are supporting the school by providing career skills training. Students who participated in this internship program reported gaining a better understanding of themselves, which helped them decide whether to pursue a particular career field.” 'Tongta' – Noppasit Jackraphanich and 'Pinpak' – Onrumpa Nilsonti, two Teach For Thailand Fellows from cohort 9, who currently work at Thepsala Prachasan School in Nakhon Sawan, reflect on the results of the Collective Vision activity. They invited the school board, teachers, students, medical workers, and the mayor to co-design an educational vision for the community’s youth.
One key factor in the activity’s success was the relationships built with all stakeholders, both inside and outside the school.
“When we first started working here, we focused on building good relationships within the school. Whether it was a school activity or a request for help, we always volunteered. This openness led to more support from teachers,” Tongta and Pinpak reflect on their first semester.
“At the end of each semester, we always meet with the school’s director to discuss the data we have collected and student behaviors we have observed. We also work closely with teachers from other departments.”
“Once trust was established, we were entrusted with bigger tasks.
For stakeholders outside the school, Tongta elaborated on the relationship-building process:
“I had the opportunity to co-design a science project class, so I took my students to the PCU for an activity. The police were already organizing activities for the school. We used this opportunity to connect and invite them to the Collective Vision activity.”
With strong support from the school board, Tongta and Pinpak organized the Collective Vision activity and invited student council members to join.
“We consulted with the school director and vice director about an activity that invites all parties related to Thepsala School to exchange their visions for education and what they envision for the youth. The school board agreed and provided full support.”
“‘Students are good global citizens who have a good quality of life, supported by a community of sustainable learning’ was the concluded Collective Vision from the activity.
This vision has since helped all parties support youth development more deeply, especially in providing opportunities for skill training. Participating bodies, including the sub-district hospital, PCU, the police, and livestock farms, agreed to open a student internship program last semester.
From student reflections, the initiative was a success. “Students who participated in this internship program reported gaining a better understanding of themselves, which helped them decide whether to pursue a particular career field. For example, those who interned at the PCU now know they enjoy work in the field.”
Additionally, Tongta and Pinpak discussed with the school board the possibility of making the initiative a school policy, ensuring its continuity even after the Fellows complete their two-year program.
“It is a great start for our students’ future careers and for becoming good global citizens,” Tongta recalls proudly.
Finally, Tongta and Pinpak reflect on their journey to create positive change.
“No matter where you graduate or what you majored in, it all roots back to education. If there are flaws in education, it is difficult for a child to become a good citizen.”
“So, if you want change, you have to take initiative. We encourage anyone interested to create change for Thai education, so children can see the chance to become the adults they want to be. Don’t be afraid of failing – be afraid of not trying at all.”
The relationships and support from all related parties have led the entire community to co-design their desired direction and collaborate to develop education for the youth. The success at Thepsala Prachasan School is evidence that, despite hardships, change is possible.
Become part of the change for Thai education through the Fellow Leadership Program. Read more about the program, here.
