NFE CELEBRATES ITS 13TH ANNIVERSARY PROMOTING DIGITALISATION AND NARROWING THE EDUCATION GAP
Since its establishment in 2008, the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE) has undertaken its mission of developing and covering quality non-formal and informal education for the country under the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.
Our main mission is to reduce educational inequality for all students,” explains Mr. Warat Pruksathawikul, NFE Secretary-General. “Currently, we are taking care of learners nationwide within the three main systems: Non-Formal Education, Informal Education, and Further Education.”
“Non-Formal Education focuses on flexibility in learning objectives and curriculums catering to the particular issues and demands of each community. Informal Education provides an opportunity for students to learn and study according to their potential and availability with multiple learning centres under supervision of the NFE such as Chalerm Ratchakumaree Public Libraries and Science Centre for Education Lastly, Further Education offers job skills training and supports employment, income generation for the people, and each government’s urgent policies.”
Faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020 the NFE emphasised helping those who have become unemployed during the health crisis.
“We have continued with our teaching because it is our usual practice to prioritise flexibility, ranging from small groups meeting together to using online tools such Google Classroom. However, the challenge in recent months has been to help people who lost their job in Bangkok and had to return to their hometown. The NFE is trying to promote skills training that matches local market needs.”
Currently, under the leadership of Secretary-General Warat, NFE is providing educational opportunities for various groups of people, especially disabled, homeless children, tribespeople, prisoners, and conscripts.
“Going forward, the NFE plans to overhaul the curriculums at all levels, from junior high school and high school diploma levels to vocational certificate programmes, to be more flexible and multidimensional. Moreover, the organisation structure and mission need updating to keep up with the present responsibilities,” said Mr. Warat.
When asked about digital transformation, Mr. Warat responds: “We are developing our database and teaching materials to better suit online platforms as well as upgrading our teachers and personnel to have more digital knowledge and skills. The online systems will lead to spreading knowledge exchange and sharing materials among NFE offices and facilitate work processes nationwide.”
In celebrating the NFE’s 13th anniversary, the secretary-general concluded: “The NFE’s main duty remains to reduce the gap in education and give opportunities to people of all ages. It’s a mission that we are proud of. I would like to offer encouragement to all NFE personnel, central and regional, and stress that everyone plays an important role in driving the office’s mission. Moreover, the NFE would like to invite private sectors to join forces as our partners and help contribute to reducing the educational gap for Thailand in a sustainable way.”
