On 17 November 2024, the Global Relations Division led international lecturers and students from Indonesia, Japan, and Myanmar in a community service project titled: “Together for Tomorrow: Community Clean-up” at the Mae Kok Foundation in Chiang Rai.
MFU representatives, aiming to assist the community affected by the recent flood, joined hands with children from the Mae Kok Foundation to plant flowers and clean restrooms. The Mae Kok Foundation, a home for children in community, has collaborated with MFU in organising cultural activities as part of a co-project between Mae Fah Luang University and MRA Foundation Off Campus International Exchange (OCA), Japan for many years.
The participants’ expression:
1. Asst. Prof. Muhammad Syukur, Lecturer in Accounting Programme, School of Management:
“It was a beautiful experience to witness our international students contributing to the community and developing social connections with the locals.
2. Mr. Chairul Ikhsan (Exchange student from Syiah Kuala University under MoU), B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology:
“The experience of volunteering at the Maekok Foundation was deeply meaningful. It taught me the importance of teamwork, strengthened bonds with new people, and provided the chance to bring joy to children despite the devastation caused by the flood. Seeing a once beautiful green area destroyed was heartbreaking, but being part of the recovery process offered a sense of purpose and hope. It was a reminder of the resilience of communities and the impact of small acts of kindness.”
3. Mr. Muhammad Abidzar (Exchange student from Syiah Kuala University under MOU), B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology:
“Volunteering at the Mae Kok Foundation was a pleasant experience. We planted trees, cleaned mud-filled parts of the building, played with the kids, and had fun together. It was truly touching to see the children remain happy despite facing difficult circumstances due to the flood damage. These volunteer activities provided us with thoughtful and meaningful life lessons. The community’s resilience, spirit, and strength taught me a lot. I will cherish these memories forever.”
4. Mr. Haykal Rafiansyah Ayub (Exchange student from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember under AIMS), B.Sc. in Biosicence:
“One of the things that impressed me during my volunteering experience at the Mae Kok Fundation was the community’s determination to overcome challenges. I witnessed the dedication of the foundation's trustees in continuing their support for the community. Despite the flood, the children still playing and smiling. This was truly inspiring for me, as the people of Indonesia, especially my family, are no stranger to such harsh conditions. These are lessons to be learned from them. That is why I kept laughing and playing with the children while cleaning the bathrooms submerged in dirt. At least I could offer them some positive memories during this difficult time. Thank you to MFU GRD for facilitating my volunteering experience at Mae Kok.”
