The Faculty of Education at Burapha University is committed to promoting education that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is recognized as a key approach to equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute to a sustainable society, including respect for human rights, gender equality, cultural diversity, and environmental responsibility. The Department of Educational Administration offers the course Parent and Community Relations in Educational Administration, which emphasizes collaboration between educational institutions and local communities to support sustainable educational development. Krabi Province has been recognized as a model area for community-based development aligned with the SDGs through effective natural resource management, place-based education, and strong participation from local governments, schools, and communities. This study visit aims to explore best practices in sustainable community development and to facilitate knowledge exchange between faculty members, local authorities, schools, and community organizations in Krabi Province. The experience will enhance understanding of area-based educational management and sustainable development practices. The knowledge gained from this activity will be integrated into teaching and learning, strengthen academic capacity, and support long-term collaboration between the university and local communities, contributing to Burapha University’s commitment to sustainable development and positive societal impact.
The aims
1. To explore best practices in community development and area-based management in Krabi Province that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. To strengthen the capacity and knowledge of faculty members in educational administration on education for sustainable development (ESD).
3. To promote knowledge exchange and collaboration between university personnel and local stakeholders, including government agencies, private organizations, schools, and community groups.
4. To enhance competencies in management, systems thinking, and the application of SDG principles in educational administration and community development.
5. To establish academic and development partnerships between Burapha University and local organizations to support long-term sustainable development.
The project was implemented during 19–22 January 2026 in Krabi Province, Thailand. Faculty members and staff from the Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education, Burapha University participated in a study visit and field-based learning activities in collaboration with local authorities, schools, and community organizations that actively promote sustainable development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program included visits to several model communities, including Ban Khlong Prasong Community, Ban Khlong Bot Community, Ban Hoi Khao Community, Ban Nam Khem Community, and the Ban Khao Takhian Community Learning Center, where participants explored community-based resource management, environmental education, and sustainable community development initiatives. Participants also visited Krabi Municipality and Ban Khlong Thom Community School, and attended a special lecture delivered by the Mayor of Krabi Municipality on the role of educational administration in strengthening school–community relationships and promoting sustainable development.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in knowledge exchange sessions and discussions with local stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in advancing sustainable development. At the conclusion of the visit, participants reflected on the lessons learned and identified strategies to integrate the knowledge gained into teaching and learning, area-based educational management, and long-term collaboration between the university and local communities in support of sustainable development.
Impacts
1. Strengthened the role of the Department of Educational Administration as a leading academic unit committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. Increased awareness and engagement of faculty members in integrating sustainability principles into teaching, academic activities, and organizational practices.
3. Established collaborative networks between Burapha University and local government agencies, private organizations, schools, and community groups in Krabi Province.
4. Enabled faculty members to apply knowledge gained from the study visit to enhance educational administration practices and develop learning activities that promote sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
5. Enhanced Burapha University’s reputation as a higher education institution that actively promotes sustainable development through education, research, and community engagement.
Project Duration: 19–22 January 2026
Location: Krabi Province, Thailand
Projects Leader: Asst. Prof. Dr. Punniththa Mrazek and colleagues from the Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education, Burapha University
