Empowering Future Leaders: Highlights from the One Health Core Competency Course for High Schools
The "Adapting and Piloting the One Health Core Competency Course for High Schools” training, held on June 29-30, 2024, at the Rama Garden Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, was a dynamic and transformative event. Organized by Kasetsart University, with support from Chevron through SEAOHUN, the program aimed to equip high school students and teachers with essential One Health competencies.
The training opened with remarks from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ladawan Puangchit, Vice President of Academic Affairs, welcomed 18 teachers and 38 students from nine high schools: Bangkok Christian College, Triam Udom Suksa School, Matthayom Banbangkapi School, Matthayom Prachaniwet School, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School, Sa-Nguan Ying School, Kasetsart University Laboratory School, Sarawittaya School, and Sarasas Witaed Suksa School.
Over two days, all students, teachers, and 12 facilitators from 5 Faculties of KU : Faculty of Education, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Veterinary Technology and Faculty of Environment engaged in training designed to enhance their One Health competencies. The project aimed to promote the practical application of One Health principles and build a strong network from universities to high schools. This initiative seeks to train future leaders and extend One Health activities to high school students.
Facilitators, comprising university faculty members and schoolteachers, designed One Health Core Competency Modules. These modules incorporated cultural exploration, ethical discussions, system thinking case studies, leadership training, communication role-plays, and practical project planning. Students actively participated, sharing their enthusiasm for learning and leadership development.
Students shared their experiences enthusiastically.
Miss Nichanan Changtatou, a 10th grader at Sarasas Witaed Suksa School, said, “I am glad to be part of this project. The course introduces me to One Health principles and enhances my leadership skills.”
Miss Panitar Palakawong Na Ayuttharya, an 11th grader from Sa-Nguan Ying School, added, “We are having a great time with fun activities that expand our One Health knowledge while building new connections and friendships.”
Mr. Siravit Bunleang, an 11th grader from Bangkok Christian College, noted, “This training course helps us develop the skills needed for project leadership and raises awareness about One Health issues in our schools.”
Pilot teachers, like Miss Tichakorn Satjing and Miss Thanthip Malaengphan from Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Pathum Thani, emphasized, “This project helps our students understand One Health principles. We hope they use these skills to address human-animal-environment interactions in their schools and communities.”
Mr. Jadetapong Klahan, a teacher from Sarasas Witaed Suksa School, praised the training, saying, “The training format helped students from different schools connect quickly, and each activity supported both learning and cooperation.”
The event concluded with a reflective session where participants shared insights feedback. Asst. Prof. Dr. Kongsak Thiangtham, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of One Health and the training's success in raising awareness and competency among students and educators.
This training demonstrated the power of collaborative learning in addressing global health challenges.
By bringing together students, teachers, and university faculties, the event fostered a deeper understanding of One Health principles and built lasting connections. The project aimed for participants to return to their schools with valuable knowledge and skills, along with a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through a holistic approach. This ensures that the next generation is well-equipped to tackle the complex health issues of the future.
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