The meeting was chaired by Dr.Nahathai Thewphaingarm, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and Vice Chairperson of the Vice Chairperson of the National Steering Committee for Thailand Zero Dropout and it was held at TK Park Phayao.
During the session, the Phayao Provincial Education Office presented data on the current situation of out-of-school children and youth, as well as educational inequality in the area. The University of Phayao and Phayao Municipality were highlighted as key players in promoting the concept of a "Phayao Learning City" and addressing issues of inclusivity and equity in education. The Phayao Development Foundation (PDF) also shared data on the high prevalence of teenage parents in the province, which is a significant contributing factor to the high rates of school dropout among youth.
The meeting also explored strategies for providing out-of-school youth with the necessary learning and vocational skills to help them reintegrate into education or employment, using the "Learn to Earn" approach.
The University of Phayao's participation in this initiative reflects the vital role of higher education institutions in actively supporting local social development. It also highlights the university's function as a key driving force in promoting educational equity, aiming to build a stable and sustainable future for children and youth in the region.
