• 
• 

Published on January 12, 2008

The Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) is giving participants a chance to learn science and technology as part of Children's Day events at Satire Dhammasathan, IPST director Prof Surin Phongsupasamit said.

"This is the first time the IPST has collaborated with Sathira-Dhammasathan and the Health Department to host the Children's Day event. Children will learn different subjects and at the same time their parents will be instructed in looking after them properly," Surin said.

Children and parents will participate in activities together. Sathira-Dhammasathan will provide activities that teach ethical behaviour, discipline and the importance of occupations in society. The IPST activities include understanding nature and one's surroundings through science. The Health Department will teach participants about health and nutrition.

"I think that to develop children we should foster good things when they are at preschool age. These things stick in their minds, which is easier and more successful than educating them when they grow up," Surin said.

"I've seen this in countries like Japan. Nurseries there are educating children to have discipline and take responsibility.

"We expect that more than 1,000 people will participate and hope those taking part will learn discipline and virtue, be healthy, understand simple scientific principles about things surrounding them and realise the importance of people in society so they grow up to be quality individuals," Surin said.

If successful on the day it could be used on a more regular basis in Bangkok. Local organisations in Klong Toei community, for instance, could hold activities each month.

The three organisations would assist local communities to hold activity days.

"I hope to organise these activities throughout the country. We may not see results immediately, but we will in 10 years. Sathira Dhammasathan will be instructing parents and children in this spirit," he said.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration opened an exhibition to honour HRH the late Princess Galyani Vadhana to mark Children's Day yesterday at Lan Khon Muang. It runs until January 19.

Parliament is organising tours to encourage children to take part in the democratic process. Visitors will see its debating floor and join in games.

Wannapa Phetdee

The Nation