To ensure project continuity, Bosch donated sets of tools to both the university and the foundation. The idea was to train the trainers in which both volunteer students from the fine arts faculty and underprivileged youth from the foundation were trained in how to use the tools properly.

The workshop also incorporated product-design concepts and marketing lectures into the course. This integrative approach was aimed to ensure marketability of future products and allow young entrepreneurs to gain more confidence in business at a later stage.

Joseph Hong, managing director of Bosch in Thailand, commented on Bosch’s furthering its support of the Chiang Mai-based Skills for Life Foundation: “We at Bosch remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to further the education and technical vocation training opportunities for deserving youngsters. The continuity of the project was made possible with involvement of lecturers and volunteer students at the fine arts faculty who will pass on coaching skills to the next batch of students.

“As Bosch moves forward, there is a good chance for underprivileged students to become financially independent and help support the continuity of this project.”

The first module of the “Ton Kla on the Go” career training session took place in Chiang Rai on March 26-27 where employees actively engaged with the youth and shared career experience and expertise. Attending were more than 200 youths of the SOS Children’s Villages nationwide.

“It is a great honour for us at DHL in Thailand to play a leading role in organising hands-on community and sustainability engagements to help these and many other children throughout Thailand,” said Chananyarak Phetcharat, managing director, DHL Express Thailand.

This project was initiated as part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s GoTeach programme, which aims to improve educational opportunities and employability for young people and facilitate their transition to the working world. A global partnership with SOS Children’s Villages was forged in 2010 to help provide young people aged 15 and 25 with better opportunities for a professional career, empowerment, an independent and steady source of income and a self-determined life. More workshops are planned for youth in SOS Children’s Village Nong Khai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Bangpoo as part of its continuous commitment to improve employability to the underprivileged youth. The workshops offer a comprehensive curriculum including youth development platforms, career guidance, mentoring, as well as aptitude and personality tests.