Feb 9th, 2021

CONNEXT ED Recognized for Supporting Thai Schools During COVID-19 Pandemic

CONNEXT ED, which aims to minimize inequality in society, develop people’s potential, and increase the competitiveness of students in Thailand’s public schools, has been recognized by Thai Union for its meaningful contribution to local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project, which is a part of the Pracharat Project coordinated by the Thai government, was awarded the Best Community Contribution During COVID-19 Award 2020 during Thai Union’s annual global leadership seminar last December.

As COVID-19 impacted communities during 2020, CONNEXT ED continued to provide important support to schools throughout the year despite the challenging circumstances.

Thai Union is a major supporter of CONNEXT ED and in 2020 provided COVID-19 protection items such as face masks, forehead and infrared measurements, alcohol press stand foot pedals, face shields, and hand-sanitizers, worth THB 400,000 to 6,740 students and 480 school teachers from 36 schools located in communities where the company operates. Providing early support for COVID-19 protection items to students and teachers can help control and reduce further spreading of viruses at home, in school, and in their community. Providing advice and financial support for CONNEXT ED is an important part of Thai Union’s global sustainability strategy, SeaChange® and aligns with the company’s belief that education is an important foundation for a better life. The program not only aims to minimize inequality in society, develop people’s potential, and increase competitiveness, but is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of its support of CONNEXT ED, Thai Union has appointed 14 volunteers with leadership potential to be “School Partners” and who are responsible for supporting 37 schools across four Thai provinces – Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. They work with the project to develop a network of next-generation leaders who will play an important role in providing sustainable education in Thailand through knowledge sharing and strategic planning in academic development with school administrations.

The volunteers engage with schools, school principals, teachers and local community leaders in four development areas:

1. Providing training development programs for school teachers across several topics, such as development programs for STEM teachers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), English capability building for English teachers and project-based learning curriculum design.

2. Career enhancement activities to inspire students to continue studying through to higher levels.

3. Enhancing the English language capabilities of students through online learning packages.

4. Providing learning kits, and school materials such as math kits, science kits, Montessori learning materials and musical instruments.