




On Sunday, July 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the meeting room of Nonthan Municipal School, Mr. Thirasak Thikhayuphan, Mayor of Khon Kaen City Municipality, visited and offered words of encouragement to teachers participating in the “Development of a Care System for Children with Learning Problems by Teachers, Doctors, and Parents” project. The initiative, organized for the academic year 2022, was warmly welcomed by directors and deputy directors from all 11 participating schools. The training also received expert support from the Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Northeastern Region, Khon Kaen Hospital. Training for Primary and Secondary School Teachers The second day of training focused on secondary school teachers, with the program divided into two levels: 1. Primary education training 2. Secondary education training A total of 440 educational personnel from all 11 municipal schools participated in the program. During his visit, the Mayor of Khon Kaen City Municipality expressed his gratitude and admiration for the teachers’ dedication to improving children’s education. Addressing the Growing Concern of Learning Difficulties Over the past decade, learning difficulties have become an increasing concern in Thai society. This issue was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted children’s education, impacted their behavioral development, and left many without proper care. According to IQ assessments of Thai children, results indicate below-standard intelligence levels compared to other Asian countries, highlighting the urgent need to enhance children’s IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient). A Collaborative Effort to Support Children with Learning Challenges The “Development of a Care System for Children with Learning Problems” project is a joint initiative between the Education Office of Khon Kaen City Municipality and the Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Northeastern Region, Khon Kaen Hospital. Launched in 2015, the project has aimed to create an integrated support system for children with learning difficulties through collaboration between teachers, doctors, and parents. Between 2019 and 2021, the program introduced School and Family Empowerment for Behavioral Modification (SAFE B-MOD) training, which equipped 325 elementary school teachers in Khon Kaen City Municipality with skills to identify and support children with 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. Expanding Access Through the HERO Application In 2020, the project further enhanced its care system by introducing the HERO Application, an innovative platform that enables screening, counseling, and referral services. This system allows teachers and parents to access child mental health services without needing to take children to the hospital, creating a seamless connection between prevention, intervention, and treatment. By leveraging this digital solution, the project has expanded access to mental health support for at-risk children, setting a groundbreaking model for potential nationwide implementation. A Model for Future Expansion Khon Kaen City Municipality remains committed to advancing educational and mental health support systems to ensure that every child receives the care and assistance they need. Through continued collaboration with educators, medical professionals, and parents, this initiative serves as a model for expanding child support services to other regions across Thailand.