4.3.4 Education outreach activities beyond campus
SWU Volunteer Center
Description:
The SWU Volunteer Center fosters volunteerism and civic engagement, cultivating compassion, generosity, and responsible citizenship. Activities include on-campus and off-campus programs addressing social, environmental, and community needs, aligned with the university’s identity as a “University for Social Engagement.”
Evidence of Implementation:
The university regularly implements volunteer projects that have a measurable impact on the community.
Large numbers of students participate in public health, environmental, and social initiatives.
The university establishes partnerships with schools, local communities, and public institutions.
The SWU Volunteer Center has implemented structured education outreach programs in local communities and schools.
The program integrates the learning outcomes from volunteering into its student development programs.
Impact & SDG Alignment:
Promotes active citizenship, teamwork, leadership, and civic-mindedness (SDG 4, SDG 16, SDG 17).
Enhances lifelong learning and social responsibility skills (SDG 4, indicator 4.3.4).
Supports sustainable community development (SDG 11).
Under the SWU Volunteer Center, Srinakharinwirot University has continuously organized various extracurricular and community-based learning activities—both on and off campus—to promote holistic student development and lifelong learning. These initiatives aim to enhance students’ knowledge, social awareness, and transferable skills that extend beyond classroom learning. Through participation in volunteer projects and outreach programs, students cultivate essential competencies such as:
Active citizenship and social responsibility—developing awareness of community needs and contributing to public good.
Teamwork and collaboration skills—learning to work effectively with peers, communities, and partner organizations.
Leadership and project management—planning, coordinating, and executing community activities with measurable impact.
Empathy and civic-mindedness—understanding diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity in social engagement.
Lifelong learning mindset—integrating experiences gained from volunteering into personal and professional growth.
Many of these programs involve direct collaboration with local communities, schools, and public institutions, thereby extending the university’s educational mission beyond the campus and embodying the spirit of a “University for Social Engagement.”
Examples of educational outreach activities that extend beyond the campus
SLOPE Program (Student Leadership and Organizational Performance Excellence)
The SWU Volunteer Center participated in the SLOPE program, 4–5 November 2023 and 27 January 2024, a national-level initiative designed specifically for student leaders of various organizations. The program aims to enhance key competencies in strategic thinking, organizational development, and effective leadership. During the sessions, students engaged in hands-on learning, knowledge exchange, and networking with leaders from diverse institutions. The program provided opportunities to develop both practical skills and strategic insights necessary for leading student organizations effectively. SLOPE was conducted in a hybrid format, combining on-site sessions for intensive training and online follow-ups over three months for continuous project development and skill reinforcement. This program was organized in collaboration with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Association (TUSSA) and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, offering students exposure to international best practices in leadership and organizational management.
Relevance to SDGs and Student Development
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Enhances leadership and strategic skills through experiential learning beyond the classroom.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Prepares students for future leadership roles in organizations and communities.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Fosters democratic leadership, transparency, and organizational accountability among student leaders.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Demonstrates international collaboration and cross-institutional networking to strengthen student leadership capacity.
Impact
The SLOPE program exemplifies holistic student development, equipping participants with critical leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and networks that enhance their capacity to lead organizations effectively. It supports the university’s mission to cultivate socially responsible, capable, and future-ready graduates.
Source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=866829692149898&id=100064686250212
SWU Save the World: “SWU Cares for the Planet”
The "SWU Save the World" project, April 1–June 28, 2024, aims to raise environmental awareness among university students and encourage sustainable practices. Students engage in both short-term actions and long-term behavioral changes that promote environmental stewardship through a series of hands-on activities and volunteer initiatives.
The project's influence goes beyond the confines of the university campus. By cultivating a sense of responsibility toward the environment, students are encouraged to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives. Moreover, these practices are expected to ripple outwards, influencing local communities and society at large, contributing to a sustainable world in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By participating in this project, students not only gain practical experience in environmental protection but also develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a more profound understanding of the importance of sustainable development. This initiative exemplifies SWU's commitment to creating socially responsible graduates who actively contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
THE Impact Metrics—Education Outreach Beyond Campus (4.3.4)
The program extends its impact beyond the university by actively involving students in outreach activities within the broader community. These activities are designed to share knowledge and practices with local communities, thus enhancing collective environmental responsibility and fostering sustainable living practices.
By engaging in these outreach programs, students gain valuable hands-on experience in community engagement and leadership, furthering their development as globally-minded citizens who are equipped to lead sustainable transformations in various sectors.
Source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=910954594404074&id=100064686250212
The SWU GOOD LIFE Project
The SWU Good Life Project, September 12– December 12, 2024, engaged students in creative sustainability initiatives aimed at waste reduction, recycling, and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles. Over 80% of students actively engaged in the project. More than 500 kg of paper was prevented from disposal or destruction.
Key Activities:
Creative Reuse: Students transformed leftover materials into reusable bags, reducing waste and encouraging proper waste management.
Innovation from Recycled Materials: Participants presented new product ideas using recycled materials, fostering sustainable innovation.
Bra Recycling Campaign: Old bras were collected and converted into clean energy, minimizing industrial waste.
Plastic Reduction Awareness: Students tracked daily plastic use and shared strategies for eco-friendly living to mitigate global warming.
Impact (Aligned with SDGs & THE 4.3.4)
Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in paper and plastic waste; promotion of clean energy from recycled materials.
Education & Outreach: Raising environmental awareness beyond campus through sharing sustainable practices and creative reuse projects.
Learning Outcomes: Students developed practical sustainability skills, innovation capabilities, and an understanding of responsible consumption and production.
THE Impact Metrics—Education Outreach Beyond Campus (4.3.4)
Engaged a broad student population in measurable environmental actions.
Extended knowledge and best practices to the wider community through creative reuse and recycling campaigns.
Demonstrated tangible outcomes with both ecological and educational value beyond campus boundaries.
Source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1023469766485889&id=100064686250212
Seminar regarding "Communicating Equality: LGBTQIAN+ Rights and Social Acceptance" on April 20, 2024
Objectives and Activities:
Knowledge and Awareness: Provide participants with understanding of LGBTQIAN+ rights across legal, social, and cultural contexts, fostering informed perspectives.
Promoting Inclusive Communication: Develop strategies for equitable and respectful communication to reduce prejudice and discrimination in society.
Dialogue and Social Change: Create a safe space for exchanging ideas, encouraging advocacy, and promoting respect for diversity and gender equality.
Participation and Impact
Engaged students, staff, and community members in discussions on LGBTQIAN+ rights and inclusive communication.
Enhanced awareness of social equity, human rights, and the importance of inclusive language.
Encouraged practical application of inclusive communication principles in personal, academic, and professional settings.
THE Impact Metrics—Education Outreach Beyond Campus (4.3.4)
Extended education and awareness beyond the campus community through seminars and dialogue sessions.
Provided measurable educational outreach by equipping participants with tools and knowledge to advocate for equality and inclusivity in wider society.
Stimulated societal impact through informed discussion and community engagement in promoting human rights and diversity.
Source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=913770447455822&id=100064686250212
Recycle—Global Recycling Day 18.3 on January 15–March 1, 2024
Objectives and Activities
Promote Recycling Awareness: Educate participants on sustainable waste management practices and the importance of recycling for environmental protection.
Inspire Action: Encourage creativity in reusing and repurposing waste materials, motivating participants to engage actively in recycling initiatives.
Behavioral Change: Stimulate long-term changes in consumption and waste habits among participants, fostering environmentally responsible lifestyles.
Participation and Impact
The program actively involved students and community members in recycling campaigns and practical activities.
This led to an increase in knowledge and awareness about sustainable consumption and production practices.
The program encouraged measurable waste reduction and increased participation in recycling programs.
THE Impact Metrics—Education Outreach Beyond Campus (4.3.4)
Extended environmental education and practical skills beyond the campus community.
Facilitated measurable behavioral impact by motivating participants to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Enhanced community engagement in waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable living practices.
Source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=858425036323697&id=100064686250212