In a delightful twist on traditional lectures, Pattaya found a unique way to celebrate National Youth Day 2025 with an exciting blend of hands-on activities and interactive workshops. The city was abuzz with youthful energy as the engaging programme launched on August 6 at the picturesque Le Bali Resort & Spa. As the clock struck 9 a.m., Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet warmly welcomed young leaders to this inspiring celebration, ushering in a new era for learning under the theme: Happy School.
The event was not your average sit-down experience. Instead, it sparked a dynamic environment where student leaders from 11 schools in Pattaya dived into sessions focusing on leadership skills, emotional wellbeing, and creating value-driven teamwork. Boongam Lekcharoen, the Director of the Education, Religion, and Culture Promotion Division, set the tone with an enthusiastic welcome, followed by insights from Education Office Director Nopsit Cha Nakorn.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as participants, including distinguished educators, school administrators, and keen student council representatives gathered, eager to absorb insights on steering their futures with ethics, empathy, and a community-first mindset. Organized by Pattaya’s Education Office, this initiative underpins the belief that leadership is more than self-achievement; it’s about nurturing unity, compassion, and resilience in the heart of young leaders.
Expert-led workshops peppered the day, introducing concepts like Happiness-Building Leadership. These engaging sessions encouraged student council members to hone their communication and collaboration prowess. A standout moment was the World Café: Spreading Happiness through Happy School discussion. This lively exchange allowed students to pinpoint what brings joy to a school environment, the role of youth in fostering positivity, and actionable steps to enhance wellbeing.
The energy was infectious as attendees eagerly brainstormed ways to spread their newfound joy back in their school communities. They planned to kickstart student-led projects and peer-support initiatives aimed at resonating through their halls long after the day’s close, as highlighted by The Pattaya News.
Organizers of the event emphasized that while academic achievement is important, the focus was on cultivating moral character. “We strive to build a generation that not only excels academically but also elevates their communities and the nation,” mentioned one of the facilitators. Pattaya’s commitment shone brightly, underscoring the city’s pledge to equip its young minds as changemakers, armed with heart, integrity, and a vision for the future.
This inspiring event was a reaffirmation of Pattaya’s dedication to youth development. It was more than an event—it was a movement, an investment in the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring they are ready to lead with empathy and unwavering integrity.
Wow, this sounds like an amazing opportunity for the youth in Pattaya! Such a great shift from the usual boring lectures.
I agree! It’s refreshing to see programs focusing on emotional well-being and leadership.
Absolutely! Kids need more of this kind of learning and less focus on just grades.
But isn’t this just another way to sugarcoat actual educational failures? I’m skeptical.
I think engaging students in hands-on activities is crucial for developing soft skills that are often overlooked in traditional education.
Dr. Roberts, but there’s also a risk of students not taking these activities seriously, don’t you think?
True, but with the right facilitation, these programs can be hugely beneficial. It’s about balance and execution.
Sounds like a waste of taxpayer money. Why not invest directly in improving school infrastructure?
Perhaps it’s because developing leadership and soft skills can be equally important as bricks and mortar.
Fair point, Maya, but tangible benefits are what we really need right now.
The World Café session sounds like a brilliant idea to foster positive changes. Hats off to the organizers!
That’s if the ideas actually translate into real-world action. Often, they don’t.
True, implementation is key. But having a platform to voice ideas is the first step toward change.
Encouraging students to lead with heart and integrity is crucial for societal advancement. Great initiative!
Hopefully, this isn’t just a one-day affair. The continuous support is necessary for lasting impact.
I agree, Larry! Long-term engagement is needed to see real development in young leaders.
And that support should also come from the community, not just educational authorities.
I absolutely love the integration of art in leadership training. It speaks to the true essence of human creativity.
These activities are a nice break for students from academic pressures. Not everything should be about exams!
True, but schools are for learning the basics that keep the world turning, not for emotional stuff.
I hope the Happy School theme is adopted by other regions as well. It’s innovative and forward-thinking.
It would be amazing if this became a global movement. Youth empowerment is universal.
Sounds great, but what’s the follow-up plan? It’s easy to start but tricky to maintain momentum afterward.
I participated in a similar event and it changed my perspective on collaborating with others. These experiences can be life-changing!
Initiatives like these need more recognition. They plant seeds for a better future.