Thai youth breathe synodality into 3-day social ‘hackathon’

Imagine a group of young minds coming together from all corners of Thailand, armed with innovative ideas to tackle societal challenges. This was the scene at Mater Dei School in Bangkok from July 12 to 14, 2024, during the Youth Social Hackathon.

The event, organized by the Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT) and LiCAS, brought students from 12 schools across the country to participate in a three-day event focused on addressing pressing issues through the principles of synodality.

As Peter Monthienvichienchai, Executive Director of LiCAS, put it, the aim was to raise awareness and engagement with the Synod among youths. He emphasized the importance of practicing synodality and truly listening to the voices of the younger generation.

Participants, aged 13 and above, were tasked with choosing one of nine major issues identified during the continental stage of the Synod in Asia. Mentors from various sectors provided guidance and shared their knowledge to help the students develop their ideas.

The hackathon kicked off with inspirational workshops and discussions on the importance of ethical hacking for the betterment of society. Fr. Paul Ekarat Homprathum, CECT Secretary General, highlighted the significance of practicing synodality and listening to those in need.

During the intense “hacking” phase, students worked tirelessly to refine their solutions, with the ultimate goal of making a positive impact on society. Teams delved into various issues, from tackling teenage pregnancies to finding creative solutions to air pollution.

The event culminated in a final pitching session, where four projects received funding to bring their ideas to life. The organizers stressed that this funding symbolized both a burden and a responsibility, entrusting the recipients to make a difference in their communities.

Notable guests, including Archbishop Anthony Weradet Chaiseri and Sister Pensri Horae, graced the final day of the hackathon, highlighting the significance of the students’ efforts in applying synodality in practical ways.

Written by Nattha Nuchsuwan, this article was originally published on LiCAS News. All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.