Bangkok--23 Jan--ABM
Bosch Thailand establishes a learning mechanism to build vocational skills for underprivileged hill-tribe youth to earn an income and increase their self-reliance
Bosch joins hands with the Fine Arts Faculty at Chiang Mai University to enhance a dynamic vocational development project for disadvantaged young people and help them build a sustainable future.
Bosch Thailand continues to support the Skills for Life Foundation, founded by Dominique Leutwiler in 2015. Dominique, who has lived in Chiang Mai for over 17 years, discovered that a large number of disadvantaged young people remained out of the education system after completing junior high school. In response, she found the Skills for Life Foundation to provide hill-tribe youth with vocational development opportunities to help them become self-employed and independent.
Currently, there are twenty-seven hill-tribe students, both male and female, from senior high school to university age, under the patronage of the Skills for Life Foundation. In addition to a lack of educational opportunities, they face uncertain futures from not possessing a Thai identification card. The foundation aims to provide them with a measure of security including accommodation, food, clothing, school trips, and scholarships as well as providing them with an ID card attributed to ethnic hill-tribe groups.
Bosch Thailand understands the urgent need to help disadvantaged hill-tribe youth. A dynamic development model based on their personal skills and interests was initiated to develop their vocational skills that in turn, could increase their self-reliance and be a source of inspiration to the next generation of hill-tribe youth. Dominique added, "I feel encouraged that the foundation is being continuously supported by several partners including Bosch and Primavera - a foundation that was established by retired Bosch employees with the purpose of making a difference. I appreciate their unwavering support and helping us to realize the value of what we're doing."
Up to now, Bosch and the Fine Arts Faculty at Chiang Mai University have collaborated in providing guidance and "learning-by-doing training" to Thai hill-tribe youth. They learn how to master craftsman' tools and design products through an approach that integrates sales and marketing. Furthermore, instructors in business administration and students volunteering in fine arts make presentations and participate in the training.
Sumanatsya Voharn (PhD), a lecturer in the Design Division, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, who spearheads the project, said, "These young students managed to step out of their comfort zone to learn how to expertly use craftsman' tools, especially female students. They are confidant, imaginative, and take pride in the fact that they are creating their own work."
Udit Jantima,a special instructor in Design, Fine Arts Faculty, Chiang Mai University, said, "In terms of power tools, it is important for young students to learn how to use them appropriately but safely. At this stage, students in the program really have to focus and it is not always easy, but they can demonstrate that the knowledge and skills they learn and build on can have a positive impact."
Suriya Kaewla, a fine arts student at Chiang Mai University who is enthusiastic in his support for the training, said, "I've learned about how to conceive and develop creative ideas from the hill-tribe youth. They have no theoretical background on the subject but they were very comfortable thinking outside the box, and can develop some inspirational and interesting design concepts."
The "Botlight," a chandelier made from discarded bottles, is an example of the foundation's success. The hill-tribe youth and partners created this practical but also well-designed work that has brought a sense of pride. The Botlight is made from recycled bottles that the foundation collected from five-star hotels in Chiang Mai. Using their spare time after school, they divided their tasks such as separating, cleaning and drying the collected bottles before installing electrical wiring and wood paneling, finishing each product, and preparing them for delivery. The Botlight has received praise and compliments since being unveiled, and sales help increase incomes for hill-tribe youth while reducing the foundation's expenses.
Donnapa Jakor, a young hill-tribe woman who is studying hospitality management, said, "My favorite tool is the flame torch which I use in my art work. I have become more confident because of this vocational training, and I have more self-esteem so I believe in myself more than I did before. I learned that I can do anything I want if I apply myself, so I'm really grateful to Bosch for their support."
Nuttapong Udomwiriya, a young hill-tribe man who is studying science, said, "I have a soft spot for the jigsaw tool because I am passionate about wood carving. However, I need more practice to improve my carving skills. It requires a lot of patience. Another hard part is properly removing the labels and adhesives from wine bottles but I am learning all the time which is important."
Aem-on Nikhomkhiri, a hill-tribe student who is currently studying organizational psychology, said, "The Botlight is my debut work. I am passionate about crafts, particularly traditional wood polishing and finishing techniques, which involve learning how to choose the right type of wood to support the wine bottle. I am glad that I eventually grew confident in mastering power tools and I cannot wait to produce and sell my own designs to raise money for my future."