Khon Kaen University students joined hands with young pupils to experience the agricultural life cycle firsthand, promoting cultural understanding and essential 21st-century skills.
As the world accelerates, knowledge gained solely in the classroom is often insufficient for real life. Essential skills for children include critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Furthermore, extracurricular learning—such as volunteer activities, sports, field trips, and nature exploration—provides crucial hands-on experience vital for life in the 21st century.
Khon Kaen University (KKU), represented by the Faculty of Agriculture and the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Nursery Section), recently organised the “Harvesting Together: Narrative of the Thai Way of Life” event.
This event was held to commemorate the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (King Rama IX). Over 500 participants, including students, teachers, and guardians, attended the activity at the KKU Agricultural Park on 4 December 2025.
The event commenced with the ceremonial address given by the presiding officer, Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. She delivered a tribute to the portrait of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, marking his birth anniversary, National Day, and Thai Father’s Day. This act demonstrated loyalty and gratitude towards His Majesty’s immeasurable grace.
Following the ceremony, the nursery pupils participated in activities such as rice harvesting, threshing, and the ‘Kwan Khao’ (rice blessing) ritual. These activities provided profound and enjoyable direct experience with agricultural vocations, Thai culture, and local wisdom. Furthermore, the activities strengthened the children’s IQ, EQ, and enhanced their experiential learning skills outside the classroom.
Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, explained that the programme originated from the practical training plots where Agriculture students learn plant production, particularly rice cultivation. The initiative later developed into a collaborative activity with the Demonstration School to allow children from non-agricultural families to learn the rice farming life cycle, from transplanting in August (Mother’s Day) to harvesting in December (Father’s Day).
“This initiative provides our students with training in both production and management, while the nursery children learn that rice is life. We aim to continue this cooperation among the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Education, and the Demonstration School,” stated Associate Professor Darunee.
Assistant Professor Sharawut Jakpeng, Ph.D., Director of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Nursery Section), noted that the school focuses on the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of its students, utilising learning resources within the university.
“This project helps children recognise the value of rice through real-life experience—from planting and transplanting to harvesting, threshing, and performing the rice blessing ritual. They witness the growth of the rice stalks and understand where their daily meals come from. This genuinely promotes creativity and holistic development from an authentic learning environment,” Dr. Sharawut added.
Ms. Rungruedee Thapthanee, a second-year student in Agricultural Innovation, expressed her delight at being able to share her knowledge and guide the children through the practical activities.
“I grew up in an agricultural family in Nong Bua Lamphu province, so I truly understand that rice is life. It is our staple food, a crucial source of carbohydrates, and a significant Thai export product,” Ms. Rungruedee said. “This activity involved collective harvesting, threshing, ritual dance, and the rice blessing ceremony to honour and recognise the value of rice. Over 80 university students were involved in educating the younger pupils.”
Ms. Angkhanawan Thamma, Assistant Director for Administration and Personnel Development, mentioned that the school plans academic activities throughout the year under the learning unit, “Rice and the Farmers.” Teachers first educate the children about rice, seasons, and farming steps before the actual field trip.
“Onsite, the Faculty of Agriculture students provide supervision, while the teachers primarily ensure safety. All 72 school personnel work harmoniously together for every event, with teaching staff and support staff collaborating fully to prepare materials, equipment, and decorate the venue to ensure the activity is executed perfectly.”
Ms. Chutamart Philachai, a guardian of a student at the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Nursery Section), shared her perspective: “The harvesting, threshing, and rice blessing activities expose the children to culture and traditions through authentic experiences. It instils the value of rice in them. It also enhances their extracurricular experience and emotional quotient (EQ), while strengthening family bonds.”
The “Harvesting Together: Narrative of the Thai Way of Life” event is more than just academic enrichment outside the classroom. It is an integrated learning management effort that combines theory, academics, and essential life skills. It provides the nursery pupils with the ability to appreciate and understand the value of rice, while instilling the crucial foundation of Thai values and traditions necessary for children to grow into mature individuals with intellectual and emotional stability. The Agricultural Park at Khon Kaen University truly serves as a practical training ground for the life skills of these young pupils.
