Mayor of Khon Kaen City Visits and Encourages Participants in the Teacher-Doctor-Parent Project

User Image info July 9, 2022

On Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Mr. Thirasak Thikhayuphan, Mayor of Khon Kaen City Municipality, visited Nonthan Municipal School to offer encouragement to teachers participating in the “Development of a Care System for Children with Learning Problems by Teachers, Doctors, and Parents” project. This initiative, aimed at improving educational support for children with learning difficulties, was conducted for the academic year 2022. The Mayor was warmly welcomed by directors and deputy directors from all 11 participating schools, along with expert lecturers from the Northeast Child and Adolescent Mental Health Institute, Khon Kaen Hospital. Training for Educational Personnel The training program was structured into two levels, targeting both primary and secondary school teachers. A total of 440 educational personnel from all 11 municipal schools participated in the training. During his visit, the Mayor expressed his gratitude to all the teachers who dedicated their time to attend the training, emphasizing the critical role they play in identifying and addressing learning difficulties among students. Addressing Learning Challenges in Thai Society In recent years, learning difficulties have become an increasingly significant issue in Thai society, gaining particular attention over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, disrupting children’s education and altering their behavior. A national report on Thai children’s IQ levels revealed that they fall below the standard when compared to other Asian countries. This has heightened awareness of the need to improve both IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) development in children. A Collaborative Initiative for Child Development The “Development of a Care System for Children with Learning Problems” project is a collaborative effort between the Education Office of Khon Kaen City Municipality and the Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Northeastern Region, Khon Kaen Hospital. Since 2015, this initiative has sought to establish a comprehensive support system for children with learning difficulties by bringing together teachers, doctors, and parents. Between 2019 and 2021, the project introduced the School and Family Empowerment for Behavioral Modification (SAFE B-MOD) program. This training empowered 325 elementary school teachers across Khon Kaen City Municipality to identify and support children exhibiting behavioral challenges. As a result, 440 at-risk children were screened, and the number of children receiving medical services increased to 140 (21.9%) within just 10 months. Innovative Support Through the HERO Application In 2020, the project enhanced its care system by introducing the HERO Application, an innovative platform designed to facilitate screening, counseling, and referral services. This application enables teachers and parents to access child mental health services without requiring hospital visits, creating a seamless system that connects early prevention, counseling, and treatment. By utilizing this digital solution, the project ensures that at-risk children receive timely intervention and necessary support, setting a groundbreaking model for potential nationwide implementation. A Model for Future Expansion Khon Kaen City Municipality remains dedicated to developing comprehensive educational and mental health support systems that prioritize early intervention and care for children with learning challenges. Through ongoing collaboration with educators, healthcare professionals, and parents, this initiative serves as a model for expanding child support services to other regions across Thailand.

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