On Saturday 4th February 2023, the Social Policy and Development (SPD) programme organised the SPD Social Change Youth Leaders Outreach Programme (Cohort 1) at Banglamphu, Bangkok for high school students. 23 Students from various schools, such as Mahidol University International College, Rajini School, Rayongwittayakom School, Sarasas Witaed Suvarnabhumi School, Suranari Wittaya School 2, Bansuan Jananusorn School, Nakphasith School, Suksanari School, Suksanareewittaya School, Thammasat Secondary School, Assumption College Thonburi, and Bangkok Prep International School participated in the programme.

In the morning, students visited 2 communities (Wat Sangwet Witsayaram Community and Trok Kian Niwat (Kai Chae) Community) in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok to learn urban community development and information on aging society. In the afternoon, they brainstormed and analyzed possible causes for the communities’ problems, the meaning of development, and suggested policy recommendations with their team and SPD senior students. This provided an opportunity for them to experience SPD teaching methods, gain a deeper understanding of social issues through group work, and develop team work skills, analytical skills, and leadership skills.

Special thanks to Pranakorn district officers, Ajarn Ohm, Ajarn Jay, Ajarn Mahesh, our admin staff, Thorfan, Namneung, Jenny, Ploy, Wawa, Lhachen, Tan, our second-year students who significantly contributed to this trip.