Solutions at ServICE Conference

Students from Year 10 to Year 13 participated in the 12^th annual Bangkok Schools ServICE Conference, the theme of which was “Our Voice is Powerful. We Are Part of the Solution”. As with previous years, the main aim of the conference was for students from different schools to learn more about important environmental and social global issues through direct engagement in service experiences, and then for them to work together to develop practical solutions.

The conference included four elements:

• The NGO Fair where students shared their social projects and collaborated with other groups. Students browsed booths set up by Thailand-based NGOs.
• The How-To Sessions, or workshops, where student leaders shared their passions and engaged in discussions with their peers about how they have engaged with issues in their own schools. Well done to Hugo Chen and Kylie Kim from Year 13 for their engaging and thought-provoking session.
• The Burst Your Bubble service and learning trips took students out into communities in order to inspire them and give them an opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteer work. Student delegates worked with iCare Thailand Foundation to distribute food packages to vulnerable people in several communities in Pakkred.
• The Unconferenced Sessions built upon the ideas of the entire weekend. They allowed discussion between students create step-by-step action plans for next steps after the conference. Well done to Krishan Phlaphongphanich in Year 12, and Anik Ratta in Year 10 for leading two of these sessions.

This event proved to be both educational and enjoyable for the students. Putting global issues and direct-action service in the spotlight for a whole weekend enabled students to fully explore the issues they are passionate about, learn how other NGOs and student groups are tackling them and come up with their owns plans for service activities back in the Bangkok Patana community. A fantastic experience for all the students and staff who attended!

“It was great to see so many students dedicate their weekend to the discussion of service opportunities. Now, let’s spread the word about the importance of service.” Mike Brooks, Secondary Curricum Leader, Theory of Knowledge

“Connections are key. ServICE gave me the opportunity to meet like-minded youth leaders who are passionate about similar issues, which helps to multiply our impact.” Krishan Phlaphongphanich, Year 12

“I really enjoyed the SERVICE conference as it really encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone by learning about new global issues, participating in activities, meeting new people and expressing my own ideas and views. My experience with iCare allowed me to give back to the community and it was an eye-opening experience. I strongly recommend anyone to sign up for ServICE as it is a phenomenal and unique experience. I am truly privileged to have participated in such an educational and organised conference.” Carly Schlaeppi, Year 12