SEAMEO STEM-ED’s Changemaker in Sustainable Food: The Dream Team’s Reflective Journey

After immersing themselves in over six months of participating in the SEAMEO STEM-ED-Deloitte’s Changemaker in Sustainable Food programme, the enthusiastic team from Varee Chiangmai School looked back on their unforgettable journey. Throughout this transformative experience, they delved deep into raising awareness and implementing easily accessible and practical sustainable practices.

Amidst today's tumultuous food security landscape, where challenges loom large and demand immediate societal attention, the statistics paint a bleak picture: a staggering one-third of all food intended for human consumption is squandered annually, amounting to an astronomical financial loss of approximately US$1 trillion, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP). This grim reality casts a shadow over not just Thailand and Southeast Asia, but reverberates across global industries.

Recognizing the gravity of this situation, SEAMEO STEM-ED and Deloitte Thailand boldly stepped forward, spearheading a pioneering initiative aimed at catalyzing societal change through education and awareness—the "Changemaker in Sustainable Food" programme. On June 29, 2023, amidst mounting urgency, they joined forces to launch a comprehensive six-month sustainable food initiative under the banner of "Changemaker in Sustainable Food." This collaborative endeavor stood as a beacon of hope, rallying youth and the public alike toward a shared mission of meaningful societal transformation.

During the course of the programme, SEAMEO STEM-ED and Deloitte curated a series of four virtual workshops, providing 180 teams (comprising 755 students nationwide) with insights into sustainable food technology, strategic social media engagement, campaign management strategies, and ways to craft impactful social campaign programmes.

The team selection process ensued after four virtual workshops were conducted—with 11 teams being selected. Following a succession of four virtual workshops, each marked by meticulous attention to detail, the team selection process culminated in the discerning choice of 11 exceptional teams. Amidst this transformative journey, participants from Varee Chiangmai School, affectionately dubbed the Dream Team, found themselves immersed in a mosaic of enlightening workshops.

Comprising Mr Jinnawat Taywadithep, Mr Bhira Tayarangsee, and Ms. Amonwan Mormool, the trio demonstrated their unwavering dedication to crafting a successful social media campaign. In discussions with SEAMEO STEM-ED, they outlined their comprehensive strategy for targeting the new generation and fostering awareness about sustainable lifestyles. Their "กิ๋นดี กิ๋นลำ (Gin Dee Gin Lum)" campaign, rooted in Northern dialect, roughly translating to "good and delicious ways of eating," showcased their commitment to excellence in communication, including content calendar, frequency, giveaways, and games.

With their keen eye for design and flair for innovation, the Dream Team embarked on a creative journey that captivated audiences far and wide. Through the creation of visually striking posters, captivating infographics, and interactive workshops, they orchestrated an online spectacle that garnered over 1,200 engagements and reached an audience exceeding 4,000.

However, their crowning achievement came to light during a presentation day hosted at Deloitte Thailand on March 11, 2023. Here, the Dream Team showcased their ingenuity and dedication, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance. When asked about their approach to crafting captivating presentations, Mr Taywadithep shared that the team's success stemmed from extensive practice and presentation experience gained through a variety of workshops, both virtual and in-person, both within and outside their school. Ms. Mormool echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunity provided by SEAMEO STEM-ED and Deloitte Thailand for the new generation of students to participate and for enabling the Dream Team to raise awareness about healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, Mr Tayarangsee highlighted that their generation is often characterised by a willingness to express thoughts and ideas openly, and many students are adept at online communication and vividly presenting their thoughts. He emphasised that they are not exceptional and that anyone can achieve their goals if they put their minds to it.

As the curtains close on the Changemaker in Sustainable Food programme, 11 teams emerge, each fueled by dreams and determination to effect change in the world. Their collective efforts have reached over 100,000 individuals online, spreading attention and awareness far and wide. With their unwavering commitment, they stand poised to make a lasting impact on the future of sustainability.

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Relevant information

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌-𝐄𝐃-𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞: https://bit.ly/43gRqCs

Dream Team from Varee Chiang Mai School, Chiang Mai

Campaign: กิ๋นดี กิ๋นลํา

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