From 2 to 7 March, Xavier Learning Community (XLC) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, hosted the “Learning from Southeast Asia” programme, which brought together students and staff from Japan’s Sophia University and Kwansei Gakuin University. This collaborative educational initiative aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of critical global challenges and promote sustainable futures through hands-on learning.
The programme focused on four key topics: ethnic minorities and multicultural society, environmental conservation, agriculture and income generation, and education and health. Over the course of a week, students engaged in a series of enriching activities designed to bridge cultural gaps and enhance their knowledge of the region’s complex socio-economic and environmental landscapes.
The programme kicked off with a series of presentations, where participants showcased their distinct school traditions and cultures. Later that day, Dr Suwichan Patthanaphraiwan, Assistant Professor and co-founder of the Ethnic Wisdom Foundation in Chiang Mai, delivered an insightful lecture on cultural preservation and the importance of indigenous communities. To further enrich the experience, he shared his talents through a mesmerising performance, blending traditional singing with instrumental melodies that showcased the beauty of his heritage.
The day concluded with a visit to Kio Sati Village, an Akha community in Mae Salong Nok, Mae Chan District. The students were warmly welcomed by local residents and learnt about their unique way of life. The evening ended with a Mass and a traditional dinner prepared by the local community, fostering deeper bonds between the students and the Akha people.
The second day focused on local tourism, hospitality, and history. Participants embarked on a journey through the Golden Triangle area, a region historically linked to the opium trade. Their first stop was Tham Luang Cave, the site of the 2018 rescue of the Thai football team. There, they learnt about the cave’s history and its strong connection to local communities.
Next, they travelled to Mae Sai, a town located on the border between Thailand and Myanmar, where they gained insights into the dynamics of international borders and the role Mae Sai plays in regional interactions.
The group then visited the Hall of Opium Museum, which provided a comprehensive understanding of the opium trade’s historical impact on Southeast Asia.
The day culminated with a visit to the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River marks the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. This exploration offered participants a firsthand look at the region’s complex history and the ongoing efforts to address different issues.
The programme on the third day centred on education and environmental conservation, providing students with opportunities to learn about sustainable practices related to Thai education. The group visited Ban Thap Khumantong Primary School, located in a village near Xavier Learning Community. The Japanese students led a session on origami-making, sharing their culture with the Thai students. This cross-cultural exchange allowed the Japanese students to experience firsthand the educational dynamics in a local Thai school.
In the afternoon, participants visited Mekong School in Chiang Kong, where they met Mr Niwat Roykaew, a 2022 Goldman Environment Prize winner. Mr Roykaew spoke passionately about the impacts of dam construction on the Mekong River’s water resources, local communities, and the environment. His talk underscored the critical need for sustainable practices in the region, particularly in managing water resources and preserving the natural environment for future generations.
The fourth day was dedicated to group work preparation, where students from XLC, Sophia University, and Kwansei Gakuin University collaborated on presentations covering the programme’s key themes. Each group reflected on their experiences and learnings from the previous days and delivered presentations that sparked thoughtful discussions among the participants. These presentations not only allowed students to showcase their collective knowledge but also facilitated deeper cross-cultural exchanges between the different student groups.
The day culminated in a Mass and dinner, followed by a cultural farewell night where the students performed traditional music, dance, and cultural acts. As a symbol of goodwill, XLC students and staff tied white strings around the wrists of the Japanese participants, wishing them safe travels and continued success in their educational endeavours.
The final day of the programme was devoted to reflection. Students gathered at the John de Britto chapel for a session led by Fr Tom Michel SJ. They shared their personal experiences and the lessons they had learnt. It was a time of gratitude and introspection, as students pondered the significance of their experiences in Southeast Asia and how these lessons could inform their future endeavours in fostering sustainable and inclusive societies.
Participants considered the “Learning from Southeast Asia” programme a resounding success. It offered them the chance to engage deeply with local cultures, explore critical social and environmental issues, and collaborate across borders. By combining education, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning, the programme embodied the values of global citizenship and sustainable development, leaving participants with lasting memories and a greater sense of responsibility towards building a better future for all.
Marla Lavilla Arreza from the Philippines is currently an English language teacher at Saengtham College-Xavier Campus in Chiang Rai, Thailand. She first joined Xavier Learning Community as a volunteer of Ateneo de Davao University’s Cardoner Volunteer Programme.