On May 9, 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Kenan Foundation Asia marked the culmination of the USAID Chumchon Harapan project at an event showcasing the "12 Years Journey of Chumchon Harapan Project (Past-Present-Future)." Held at Pattani Community College in Pattani Province, the event commemorated the project’s achievements and the significant contributions of local partners and community leaders in celebrating and enhancing social cohesion across Thailand’s Southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.
The gathering united community leaders, school and university partners, and youth to reflect on the project’s achievements and to forge pathways for future collaborations even amidst Chumchon Harapan coming to a close. The day was rich with discussions on the project’s role in advancing community engagement, fostering understanding across communities, and empowering youth with skills and opportunities to lead positive change in one of Thailand’s most culturally diverse regions.
The event began with a warm welcome from Mrs. Patima Sadiyamu, Governor of Pattani Province, "Through Chumchon Harapan, we have seen youth working together to find common ground and work together. Let’s take this journey into the future generations for long-lasting peace in the Deep South."
Dr. Steven G. Olive, USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia Mission Director shared during his TED talk-style presentation, “It’s about embracing perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that each individual brings to the table. We have seen the beauty in this region because of that! When we’re exposed to new ideas, approaches, and ways of thinking, it can lead to innovation and growth, creating an environment where honesty, integrity, and trust thrive. This rings true as we celebrate the 12 years of USAID Chumchon Harapan. When we embrace diversity and inclusion, and stay true to our authentic selves, we can create communities and workplaces that are not only successful but also fulfilling and meaningful.”
The celebration honored the contributions of the diverse partnerships that have been pivotal to the project’s success, including Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Campus, Yala Rajabhat University, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Pattani Community College, the project’s local Advisory Council members, and the 18 secondary schools involved in the project.
“Chumchon Harapan has truly fostered valuable connections between youth in the Deep South and promoted understanding across diverse communities. Kenan Foundation Asia would like to express our sincere thanks to USAID and our various partners from local schools and universities that contributed to making Chumchon Harapan a success,” said Allison Morris, Chief of Party for Chumchon Harapan.
Since 2012, the Chumchon Harapan project has worked in partnership with secondary schools and universities to bring youth together to develop connections, understand one another, and build greater awareness of cultural, ethnic, and religious differences. Recognizing young people’s potential to become community leaders in the future, Chumchon Harapan empowered students and youth as champions for promoting social cohesion. In its 12 years of implementation, Chumchon Harapan engaged over 5,000 youth through community initiatives, trained 308 teachers and university lecturers, and supported youth to lead 114 community-based initiatives. Recognizing the essential role of community and religious leaders, parents, academics, and government in community development, the project also engaged over 24,400 community members. This initiative has played a crucial role in driving the region’s development, fostering resilience, and nurturing the capacities needed for a brighter, more sustainable future.
List of Secondary Schools involved in Chumchon Harapan
- Yabibunnawit School
- Sanorpittayakhom School
- Ratchamuneerangsarit School
- Pathumkongka School
- Saiburi Changeprachakarn School
- Suwanpaiboon School
- Thantowattanawit School
- Lamphaya Prachanukroh School
- Ramansiriwit School
- Kabangpittayakom School
- Kanarasdornbumroong II school
- Yahasirayanukul School
- Tanyongmas School
- Takbai School
- Waengsuwanwittiyakom School
- Sungaikolok School
- Romklao School
- Riangrat Uppatham School
List of Higher Education Partners involved in Chumchon Harapan
- Prince of Songkla University
- Yala Rajabhat University
- Princess of Naradhiwas University
- Pattani Community College
USAID Chumchon Harapan
