Huawei and JA Solar Join Forces to Promote Green Education in Thailand
Huawei and JA Solar's Green Education Initiative in Thailand
In a significant move towards sustainable education, Huawei and JA Solar, in partnership with UNESCO and Thailand's Ministry of Education, have launched the Green Education Project in Thailand. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of learners equipped with green skills and digital knowledge, a much-needed asset in today’s evolving job market.
The project, which falls under Huawei's broader TECH4ALL initiative, is set to provide clean energy solutions along with training in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Eleven schools and community hubs across Thailand will benefit from the program, providing not only resources but also essential educational training.
The project officially kicked off on December 3 in Nakhon Nayok with the installation of solar panels at the Banna District Learning Encouragement Center. This center is among the first beneficiaries and marks a pivotal step towards empowering local youth through hands-on experience in renewable energy. David Li, CEO of Huawei Thailand, emphasized that this is not just a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, but a long-term investment in the future of Thailand’s youth.
"By merging clean energy solutions with practical education, we aspire to set a precedent for sustainable growth and inclusivity," said Li, highlighting the project's broader aims that extend beyond immediate ecological benefits. Through the provision of renewable energy systems, the project seeks to address critical challenges relating to education and energy, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The initiative will consist of several educational streams:
1. Green Schools for Secondary Education: This stream aims to install rooftop solar systems in secondary schools and to provide training for students and teachers on the advantages and operation of green energy.
2. Green Schools for Vocational Education: Here, technical and vocational institutions will offer practical training in photovoltaic systems, preparing students for careers in the rapidly-growing renewable energy sector.
3. Green Communities: This component will extend support to public libraries and learning encouragement centers through renewable energy setups and mobile digital education programs, including training in green energy topics and cybersecurity via Huawei’s Digital Bus.
The Digital Bus program has already made headway, touring ten remote provinces and providing free training on green energy awareness and cybersecurity to approximately 4,500 students. This innovative approach captures the essence of what it means to engage with communities while promoting education in essential and future-oriented skills.
Local educators have responded positively to the project. Tisakorn Klinbooppha, Director of the Banna District Learning Encouragement Center, noted, "This project exemplifies how collaboration among global companies and local educational institutions can lead to impactful change. The introduction of solar equipment not only enhances our curriculum but also offers our students practical skills that will improve their employability."
This initiative aligns with Thailand's ongoing efforts to adopt renewable energy and modernize its educational infrastructure, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills required for future careers. JA Solar, as a partner in the TECH4ALL project, reaffirms its commitment to aiding Thailand's energy transition and fostering practical learning environments that will benefit the community for years to come.
The road ahead for the Green Education Project looks promising as Huawei, JA Solar, and their partners plan to expand their outreach and invite additional organizations to share in their mission of equipping the next generation of Thai students with vital skills and knowledge to promote sustainability and community resilience.
In summary, the Green Education Project marks a pivotal development in combining education with sustainability, setting Thailand on a path towards a greener, more inclusive future for its youth.