Community Learning Center for Building Alternative Learning among the Youth

Problem statement: The research question arose from the youth’s problems, such as, playing truants, motorcycle racing and drug taking. The students, primary and secondary school levels, did poorly in classes or dropped out from school. The Thai society, therefore, took in poorly-prepared youth. The study aimed at building an alternative learning center for the Thai youth so that they could use their free time efficiently. The community learning center was located at No. 1 Mu 6, Ban Koodkan, Tambon Nong No, Amphoe Muang, Mahasarakham. Approach: The research was qualitative using documentary studies, interviews and focused group discussions. The student sample were primary and secondary, age 8-25 year school-drop outs 5 parents, 2 administrators of the community learning Center, 2 teachers and 3 community leaders. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: The study found that the community learning center was established by Rittidet family members. Mr. Sing Rittidet’s sons and daughters pushed their father’s ideology in giving knowledge back to community. The learning center was built on the Rittidet’s land for the benefit of all people at Ban koodkan. The goal was to assist the students, primary and secondary school level, to accomplish alternative learning using their free time. As a social-based learning center, the close relationship among students, parents, folk teachers was established. The students had an opportunity to develop self-help using various activities provided in and outside their community learning center. The students’ occupational skills were assisted by the Rittidet people. Conclusion: The learning center, therefore, built a suitable condition for living community, warm families and well behaved youth. The center was used to suit individual needs, such as, a happy living, alternative learning and building own future.