Scaling Up One Health Core Competency Education: Experienced Teachers Mentor New Schools in Thailand

As the world faces increasingly complex health threats—emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and environmental degradation—equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to understand the interconnectedness of health is more important than ever. That’s the mission behind the Scaling Up the One Health Core Competency Course: Twinning Experienced Upper High Schools with New Schools project.

Led by the Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University, and supported by Chevron through the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), the project builds on a successful pilot phase to bring the One Health approach to more high schools across Thailand. The initiative adapts university-level One Health Core Competencies (OHCC) for high school students, emphasizing the vital connection between human, animal, and environmental health.

To expand the program’s reach, the latest training workshop—held on June 14–15, 2025, at Rama Gardens Hotel, Bangkok—introduced an innovative twinning model: experienced schools from Phase I partnered with five new high schools to co-develop and share strategies for One Health education.

Peer-to-Peer Learning in Action

Ten experienced teachers from best-practice schools—Bangkok Christian College, Mathayomprachaniwet School, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Pathum Thani, Sa-Nguan Ying School, and Sarasas Witaed Suksa School—joined the workshop as facilitators.

They were matched with ten new teachers from schools joining the program for the first time: Kannasootsuksalai School, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Phetchaburi, Saint Gabriel, College, Sarasas Witaed Samut Prakan School, and Wichuthit School. Opening remarks were delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ouaypon Tungthongchai of Kasetsart University and Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, who emphasized the importance of cross-school mentorship and knowledge-sharing to deepen the impact of One Health education.

Throughout the two-day session, teachers exchanged ideas, explored lesson integration, and participated in hands-on activities that demonstrated how to embed One Health concepts into their classrooms. Facilitators shared real-world case studies and successful student activities—providing the new trainers with both inspiration and practical guidance.

Teachers Reflect: “I See the Impact Firsthand”

“I’m honored that Kasetsart University recognized my potential to be a facilitator,” said Mrs. Supaluk Khoonsungwal from Sa-Nguan Ying School. “This training gave me the opportunity to share what worked in my school—and build a community of teachers who care deeply about this topic.”

Mr. Patiwat Phraengam from Mathayomprachaniwet School reflected, “After last year’s training, I organized a One Health Day Camp at my school. I see firsthand how engaged students become. I’m excited to mentor new teachers and watch them bring these ideas to life.”

“My school started a composting project from food waste thanks to this program,” added Mr. Sathaporn Pinthong, also from Mathayomprachaniwet School. “Now, I want to coach others to expand these projects in their schools.”

New teachers also found the training eye-opening:

“I had never heard of One Health before this,” shared Mr. Pornpawit Jetawattana from Saint Gabriel’s College. “But I quickly saw how it connects to what I teach in biology. I’m already thinking of ways to apply it in class.”

Miss Chonnikarn Tamme, from Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Phetchaburi, said, “Each session helped me understand how to teach One Health in a way that really engages students. I’ll definitely bring this to my school.”

Bringing One Health to Students

The project’s next milestone will take place in late July 2025, when selected students from both the facilitator and new schools will participate in an interactive One Health Core Competency workshop. This student-focused training will further build momentum and establish young leaders who can promote health awareness in their schools and communities.

As part of SEAOHUN’s broader mission to integrate One Health education at all levels, this project not only prepares students for future health challenges—but also strengthens the capacity of educators to be lifelong changemakers.

Stay tuned for updates and photos from the upcoming student workshop!