Roi Et: Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, has taken a significant step towards improving the lives of vulnerable groups by promoting cooperation between temples, households, and government agencies. During his visit to Wat Tha Sabang in Roi Et Province, he presided over the opening ceremony of the 'Strengthening the Temple to Develop the Quality of Life of Vulnerable Groups, Tha Sabang Model' project.
According to Thai News Agency, the project aims to enhance social welfare through a collaborative approach involving temples, homes, and governmental bodies. It seeks to sustainably uplift the quality of life for vulnerable groups by integrating government, private sector, and community efforts, with a particular focus on the Tha Sabang Temple. This initiative is driven by the Phra Ratchawacharawittayakom Foundation and is expected to serve as a model for local development that can be expanded to other areas.
The event was attended by Phra Sophon Pariyatyaphon, Deputy Abbot of Roi Et Province, Phra Ratchawacharawittayakom (Anusorn Phabhassaro), Abbot of Wat Tha Sabang, and several key government officials including Mr. Thanetpol Thanabunyawat, Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Mr. Anurak Chureemas, the Deputy Governor of Roi Et Province, and the MSDHS Team. Minister Warawut also provided essential consumer goods to 101 vulnerable families in the region.
Following the temple visit, Mr. Warawut presided over the opening of the APMO Assembly Project at Phetcharat Garden Hotel, focusing on 'APMO Power Towards Sustainable Social Development Partnerships'. He also presented ID cards and certificates to 215 children and youth from the Children and Youth Council in the Northeast, who participated in the APMO New Generation Leaders Volunteer for Society Project. This event, attended by UNICEF Thailand representatives, highlighted the importance of engaging the youth in volunteer leadership roles for social development.
Minister Warawut emphasized the challenges posed by demographic shifts in Thailand, including a low birth rate and an aging society. He highlighted the Ministry's 5X5 policy proposal aimed at creating a comprehensive welfare system to reduce inequality and ensure social security. The initiative also seeks to establish a network of volunteers for social development and human security, involving the Children and Youth Council as a crucial mechanism for effective collaboration between the state and vulnerable groups.
He further stressed the importance of equipping children and youth with volunteer work skills, fostering participation, and instilling a sense of hometown pride. The APMO Assembly served as a platform to gather insights from network partners, leading to the development of policy proposals and enhancing the role of APMO as disabled assistants and case managers.
In conclusion, Minister Warawut congratulated the new APOM youth leaders and expressed hope that they, along with their seniors, would continue to support social welfare initiatives and contribute to the overall development and security of Thai society.