MSU COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Many faculties and divisions at Mahasarakham University are very actively involved with local communities. It is a firm policy of MSU to create an atmosphere of community involvement whether it is through bringing education to farmers or local businesses, offering the services of the faculty/division to help provide solutions for improvements or simply having students go out to a school or community site to clean up, paint or beautify an area through tree planting.

Many of these smaller, and not so small projects, which create engagement between local communities and Mahasarakham University go un-noticed and/or un-reported.

This is typical of the Isaan culture whereby all members of a community pitch in to help each other out without   expectation of self recognition or gain in return. Of course, in Isaan the wheel turns and the help will be returned, albeit not immediately nor directly.

If you spend time in north east Thailand you cannot help but notice this strength of community through common spirit of each helping the other.

It can be argued the MSU policy of involvement in community is not due to any PC directive, it is simply a natural extension of the Isaan culture and way of life.

Below are just two examples of the links being forged between MSU and local communities. 

Firstly, on June 18 MSU Faculty of Education students travelled to Nong Kham District in nearby Kantarawichai to brighten up one of the schools. Walls and fences were painted, rubbish was cleared, grass was cut and a general cleanup all round. Students and the general public from the village also got involved.

Secondly, on June 26 at Tha Khon Yang, also in the Kantarawichai District, a community workshop was held for students to meet with community leaders, the local school Director and the general public.

Organised through the office of MSU Division of Student Affairs Vice President Dr Sujin Butdisuwan and accompanied by MSU students, the workshop provides for a future where MSU students will work together with the local school and community to provide active community service and environmental development. On this visit eighty-four trees were planted to honour HM King Bhumibol.

Students also walked through the village speaking with local residents to raise awareness of the need for communities to combat mosquito larvae breeding.

As is usual at most Isaan gatherings, there was a traditional music and dance performance.