Walailak University’s Commitment to Inclusive Access to Lifelong Learning
Walailak University (WU), as a public higher education institution with a mission to serve community needs, adheres to the principles of inclusive education, ensuring that everyone has equal access to learning opportunities. Thus, the university strives to foster a learning society where no one is left behind by creating Lifelong Learning Policy, announced on 8 November 2022.
The existence of the Lifelong Learning Policy ensures that access to these activities is open to all individuals, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status, or gender. This commitment is clearly reflected in the following statement from the policy:
“Walailak University is a center for lifelong learning that opens up equal educational opportunities for all, based on democratic participation, and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion, skin color, physical condition, gender, economic status, age, or political opinions.”
This statement reflects the university’s strong commitment to building an educational system that is genuinely accessible to everyone, free from prejudice or barriers.
Lifelong Learning Activities Open to All Groups
The university’s lifelong learning and development activities are designed to accommodate diverse groups of people, regardless of their status or personal characteristics. These activities are implemented through various events, diagnostics, measurement processes, university infrastructure, and projects organized under the university’s Lifelong Learning Access Policy, with the active engagement of departments both within and outside the university, such as:
Lifelong Learning Activities for Migrant workers group
Walailak University organized health check-ups for migrant workers in the fishing industry with the aim of helping them address and prevent potential health issues related to their work. Following the diagnostics, the university also provided health education sessions conducted by lecturers from the School of Allied Health Sciences. These sessions focused on proper self-care practices, including correct techniques for lifting heavy objects, to reduce the risk of injury while working on boats and to promote sustainable self-care habits.
Lifelong Learning Activities for the Elderly
Walailak University promotes lifelong learning among the elderly community through comprehensive health and fitness education programs. The university organizes sessions on the use of herbal remedies and traditional massage techniques for health maintenance, aiming to enhance physical well-being and encourage sustainable self-care practices. In addition, tailored exercise sessions are designed specifically for the elderly, focusing on safe movements and proper techniques that help improve flexibility, balance, and overall quality of life.
Lifelong Learning for Local Communities
Walailak University’s Technology Clinic plays a vital role in supporting the university’s Lifelong Learning Policy. The clinic organizes a variety of activities that provide academic services to local communities, particularly in the fields of agriculture and health. These initiatives demonstrate how academic knowledge can be practically applied to promote sustainable community development.
One example of the lifelong learning activities includes training local farmers in the cultivation of Trichoderma for use on their own farms. In addition, lecturers provide guidance on identifying and managing plant diseases by observing symptoms that appear on leaves.
Because most farmers often experience muscle pain and physical strain from agricultural work, Walailak University Technology Clinic also conducts health technology transfer activities aimed at preventing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among farmers. The activities focused on Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Care, transferring ergonomics knowledge for preliminary health assessment, and promoting the utilization of local herbs through health and beauty massage and the development of herbal health food and beverage products.
Both of these flagship activities are organized under “the Project on Providing Consultation and Technological Solutions for Community Occupations” which aims to provide practical technological and health solutions to support lifelong learning access policy in local communities.
Lifelong Learning Activities for Children and Young People
Walailak University’s Botanic Park continuously organizes lifelong learning activities for children and youth. These activities integrate knowledge of science, nature, and language with fun and creative hands-on practice. A variety of programs, such as science camps, English camps, and nature exploration, help develop skills in analytical thinking, communication, and instill a sense of environmental conservation. This initiative aligns with the university’s “Lifelong Learning” policy, aiming to inspire participants and connect academic knowledge to their daily lives.
Lifelong Learning Activities for all Gender of Students and Staff
Walailak University actively promotes inclusivity and lifelong learning through beauty pageant competitions that welcome participants of all genders, embracing diversity and respecting gender identity among students. One notable initiative, the “WU Freshy Award 2023”, was organized to select student representatives who not only serve as role models but also play a key role in supporting university activities and enhancing its image. In addition, during the Loy Krathong Festival, the university holds the Noppamas Queen and Miss Lady Boy pageants, aiming to preserve Thai cultural traditions, honor the Goddess of Water, and foster confidence, unity, and gender equality. These activities provide meaningful opportunities for students and staff to learn, express themselves, and grow, reinforcing Walailak University’s strong commitment to lifelong learning within an inclusive and diverse community.
Lifelong Learning Activities for General People
SCI POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND
“Sci Power for Future Thailand,” a major event promoting the utilization of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (HERI), was hosted by Walailak University for the Southern region from July 4-6, 2024. The event featured exhibitions and activities that welcomed over 127,116 participants, including the general public, students, entrepreneurs, and various organizations.
The event’s activities included competitions, a showcase of research and innovation, and various programs for youth and the public. Highlights were the “Sci ROV Tournament,” a seminar on “Mindset for the Future,” and innovation and drawing competitions, along with discussions and services from both public and private sectors. These activities truly reflected the creation of an open-learning space for everyone, generating an economic and social impact of more than 60.05 million baht.
Walailak Research Convention 2024 (WRC 2024)
Organized from March 27-29, 2024, under the theme “Roles of Higher Education in the Turbulent World,” the event welcomed over 1,000 participants from both Thailand and abroad. In addition to academic lectures and discussions, it featured Walailak Investor Day 2024 to showcase research and innovations with commercial potential.
The event also included the international conference SMA 2024, providing a platform for knowledge exchange among researchers from various countries. As such, the event served not only as a global academic stage but also as a channel for entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and the general public to access new knowledge that can be applied in real-world settings.
Lifelong Learning Activities for All religion
Walailak University promotes lifelong learning for all, emphasizing inclusivity for people of all faiths. The university supports diverse religious groups by initiating various activities and projects. For instance, it developed an accounting system for local temples to enhance transparency, providing training to temple staff. The university’s Muslim Club has also been active, organizing a seminar titled “Messages from Teachers” on June 27, 2024, to facilitate knowledge sharing about the role of educators and mentors. Additionally, on January 27, 2024, the club hosted the “Ahlan Wahubban” camp in collaboration with a local school, fostering positive community relations. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to providing accessible learning opportunities and fostering engagement across different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Strategies for Inclusion and Equity
Walailak University implements several strategic approaches to support inclusive access to learning:
- Integrating lifelong learning principles into the university’s management systems
- Promoting social engagement research to transfer knowledge and innovation to stakeholders
- Developing support systems and facilities tailored for people with disabilities and vulnerable groups
- Expanding collaborative networks with various partners to broaden access to education
- Conducting regular assessments and evaluations to measure participant satisfaction and address barriers for continuous improvement
Walailak University’s policies and practices demonstrate its firm commitment to ensuring equal access to lifelong learning for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, or social status. This aligns with the principles of human rights and the national agenda for sustainable and inclusive development.
Noted: The photos of the children and disadvantaged people in this article have been published with permission from their parents and all relevant parties
Related links:
https://cas.wu.ac.th/archives/25980
https://cas.wu.ac.th/archives/25148
https://cas.wu.ac.th/archives/25157
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/24347/index.html
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/23953
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/24835/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%9A
https://botany.wu.ac.th/?page_id=26354
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1549301819218174
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CVE1d8usX/
