Between July 20-21, 2023, the support team for driving area-based education management to reduce inequality (Team Smile) from the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, conducted a workshop. The team, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa, was joined by professors from the regional smile team, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Pornthai Sirisatidkit from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Thaksin University, and Lecturer Dr. Wallaya Thamaphiban from the Faculty of Education at Thaksin University. Additionally, researcher team from the Institute for Population and Social Research at Mahidol University were also present. The speakers led the group process to gather opinions and information from the ABE (area-based education) working group, and they participated in group discussions using the World Café format to collect resource costs. Furthermore, the area-based education management working group was invited to analyze the issues causing inequality in the education of children and youth in the province.
They also analyzed work gaps and brought provincial strategic information to be used in management planning. During the meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Sukree Hajisamae, a member of the Equitable Education Fund Sub-Committee, was honored to attend and provide ideas and guidelines for driving efforts to reduce inequality in education to the working group of area-based education in Songkhla Province and their network partners. The issues and resource costs obtained from this brainstorming session were used for the development of the central indicator data dashboard and resource list. This information aims to highlight the issues that may lead to inequality in the education of children and youth in Songkhla Province. It will also aid in decision-making and planning operations to reduce educational inequality. The meeting took place at the Samila meeting room, Songkhla Provincial Education Office, and was presided over by Mrs. Natthaweeporn Thiphayawasri, Deputy Director of Education, Songkhla Province.
