Bangkok--11 Sep--
Innovative education programs promoting entrepreneurship, social enterprise farming models for schools, hydroponic gardening methods for people with disabilities and more, will be showcased in a unique exhibition organized by IKEA in September.
These groundbreaking programs are some of the high-profile initiatives developed by the Mechai Bamboo School in Buriram province.
Founded in 2008 by Mr Mechai Viravaidya, whose efforts in in family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and poverty eradication programs have been recognized world-wide, the Bamboo School was established as a lifelong learning center and hub for community development and serve as a model for rural Thai education.
At the school, promising students from rural areas learn traditional subjects as well as practical skills, such as sustainable farming and the basics of business to try develop entrepreneurial enterprises in their communities in the future.
Speaking about the exhibition, Mr Mechai said, "We hope that the event will enable customers of IKEA to know that part of the money spent at the Bangna Store is being used to help create a new future for rural students through these types of activities. We hope that contributing to this worthy and significant endeavor will give customers a sense of joy."
The Mechai Bamboo School is funded by a host of corporate partners including IKEA. IKEA's contribution to the Mechai Bamboo School is part of its support for the Quality of Life in Small Community Schools Project (the QL Project), a social initiative to introduce development opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural communities in Thailand.
The QL Project assists small rural schools and their surrounding communities in six key areas – community empowerment, the establishment of an agricultural social enterprise, a start-up fund for young students to start group businesses, a microcredit fund to enable poor parents to invest in income generating activities, teacher training and improvement to water and sanitation at the school. The Project is active in over 40 schools and will expand to approximately 200 schools in the next four years.
Commenting on IKEA's support of the Mechai Bamboo School, IKEA store manager, Patrice Dreano said, "Helping young people to realize their potential is a primary focus area for IKEA community support projects.
"In Thailand we achieve this by supporting the Mechai Bamboo School and other efforts like the 'IKEA apprentices' initiative - a three-month internship program for students. For this exhibition we will also provide IKEA tables, chairs, and other furniture, and accessories" Patrice added.
The exhibition will be managed by students of the Bamboo School and will include agricultural workshops and musical performances by students' ukulele band.
A shrine of good wishes will also be featured in the event. Stemming from the Bamboo School's belief that giving must come from the heart, this special shrine allows people to pray for the good fortune and happiness of others rather than their own.
The exhibition will be held in front of Småland, G fl., IKEA Bangna store. It runs from September 12 until September 20, 2015 and the opening hours are 11 am to 8 pm.
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