Bangkok unveils its vision for multidimensional learning to transform into a learning city accessible everywhere and at all times for everyone.
Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, presided over the press conference for the "Bangkok Learning City: Learning for Life, Opportunities for All." Bangkok has been chosen to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, an announcement made during the BKK Read & Learn Festival held at Chamchuri Plaza, Benjakiti Forest Park, in the Khlong Toei District.
He emphasised that a livable city for all is unattainable without continuous learning, adaptation, and development. The essence lies in collective effort. He expressed his intention to outline the implemented policies and the ongoing pursuit of creating a lifelong learning city for everyone.
Bangkok envisions becoming a city where lifelong learning is accessible to everyone, with initiatives ranging from early childhood care and compulsory education for school-aged children, to vocational skills development for teenagers, working-age adults, and the elderly. The goal is to expand care for preschool children (ages 0-6). Currently, Bangkok's civil registration system records 284,677 preschoolers, with 83,264 under the care of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Plans are underway to include an additional 20,000 children through kindergarten programs at 429 BMA schools, 271 preschool child development centers, 12 daycare centers, and 8 breastfeeding childcare centers.
Regarding compulsory education, there has been a shift from traditional classrooms to digital ones that are modern, engaging, and stimulate academic growth and creativity in children. These efforts aim to enhance educational quality through active and Project-Based Learning (PBL) methods such as Unplugged Coding, Blockly, Scratch, Data Science, AI, Robotics, and competency-based courses focusing on self-management, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, civic responsibility, and sustainable coexistence with the environment.
In the area of career skills development, Bangkok is keen on reskilling to learn new and diverse career skills for job creation, upskilling to enhance efficiency at work, and acquiring NEW Skills that are in demand in the job market.
Importantly, the concept of lifelong learning in Bangkok transcends traditional school-based education to include learning opportunities in youth centers, recreational facilities, child development centers, libraries, book houses, museums, galleries, parks, and within various community settings. A pilot project is currently underway in the Khlong Toei, Pathumwan, and Phra Nakhon districts, with collaborative efforts from government entities, the private sector, academia, and civil society to foster tangible activities and development.
“Becoming a learning city encompasses several dimensions such as early childhood care, school learning, vocational training, and the principle of lifelong learning accessible anywhere and anytime. These elements are crucial for advancing this policy. This is merely the beginning;
we have a long journey ahead. I extend my gratitude to UNESCO, our network partners, and stakeholders. Let’s progress together for the betterment of Bangkok,” he concluded.
