VFS Global and the EDF foundation Equip Thai Student to Self-Support Their Education and Earn Extra Income

To mark the culmination of the ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future’ project, led by the Education for Development Foundation (EDF) with support from VFS Global (a global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens), a symposium was held where students from the participating schools in Chachoengsao Province presented their projects and shared key lessons learned. The event celebrated the students’ achievements in applying entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills, with the Best Business Model Award presented to Ban Khlongudom School. The programme has directly benefited more than 1,900 students and their families. Mr Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, at VFS Global, said, “At VFS Global, we are proud to support this programme of empowering young people with the skills and knowledge to create sustainable livelihoods. This initiative demonstrates how education, when paired with practical entrepreneurial training, can change lives – not just for the students, but for their schools, families and communities as well. I am delighted to see that the students have made the most of the training imparted to them, applying their learning with creativity and determination. We look forward to continuing our work in this space, in line with our commitment to empowering youth  through education, skilling and entrepreneurship globally.” According to Mr Sunphet Nilrat, EDF Managing Director, “Partnering with VFS Global for the ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future’ project has been very productive. Our combined effort has improved the chance of needy Thai students from eight schools in Chachoengsao Province for better employment opportunities, as well as equipping them with know-how about income-generating projects to help them self-support their education and bring extra income to  their families.” He added, “As the organisation coordinating and operating the ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future’ project, we are indeed impressed by how students from each school presented their skills and share their experience to other school students. It will help further propagate the knowledge gained to their own school and to other schools. “The fact that more than 1,900 students and their families learned about business and product development, financial literacy, project management, team spirit and many more, I feel confident they are now more prepared to handle challenges they would encounter along the way.” Ms Jintana  Katinthong, Director of the Educational Management Promotion Group of Chachoengsao Primary Education Service Area Office II, said “I am delighted witnessing the private sector supporting the ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future’ project at eight schools under Chachoengsao Primary Education Service Area Office management coordination. Promoting the educational management is our main mission, while good education does not only mean academic knowledge but also to help develop other elements, including critical thinking, analysis, actual practice and more importantly to make use of all of these to help them develop themselves. “We would like to thank VFS Global for their educational development support to Thai students’ occupational skills. We would like also to thank the EDF for managing the project. The ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future’ project exemplifies the excellent collaboration of private organisation with Thai government educational organisation.” Organisations or individuals, who wish to support scholarships or hold CSR activities in schools and communities with the Education for Development Foundation (EDF), can send emails to [email protected],  communicate via LINE @edfthai or access  www.edfthai.org or phone 02 579 9210-11 (Monday-Friday). About the Education for Development Foundation (EDF) The Education for Development Foundation (EDF) was founded in 1987 and was registered as a charitable organization No. 255 under the laws of Thailand. The foundation has been recognized from both locally and internationally, including CAF International Validated Organization Badge for its charitable purposes and operations which have safeguards against the risk of fraud, money laundering or other illicit activities; 5 Star rating award for its Good Governance & Transparency and Financial Efficiency from Giving Back Association and Thailand NGO Awards for large organization category from the Rockefeller Foundation, Kenan Institute Asia and the Resource Alliance. About VFS Global As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment. With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritises ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments.  Operating over 3,900 Application Centres in 165 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 499 million applications since 2001. Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with minority stakeholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation.