The collaborative initiative converts community-based vocational networks into a legally recognised municipality club to secure government welfare, protect rights, and foster sustainable livelihoods.
On 6 August 2026, Sila Town Municipality, in collaboration with the Office of Academic Service at Khon Kaen University (KKU), the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security, and multi-sectoral network partners, convened a strategic meeting to establish the “Sila Town Municipality Disability Club”. Held at the Assembly Hall of Sila Town Municipality, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, the meeting aimed to improve the quality of life for local persons with disabilities by ensuring equitable access to statutory rights, public welfare, and long-term career development.
Mr. Nopparat Sawaengkan, Deputy Mayor of Sila Town Municipality, led the meeting, alongside representatives from the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security, directors of Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals, and local community leaders. Representing Khon Kaen University were Ms. Saowaluk Racham, Head of the Academic Service for Sustainability Mission, and Mrs. Chalalai Phu-thotham, Senior Educational Officer from the Social Academic Service Centre, Office of Academic Service, who actively contributed to shaping the administrative and operational framework of the newly formed club.
The establishment of the Sila Town Municipality Disability Club builds directly upon the ongoing community initiatives led by the Office of Academic Service at KKU, which has provided vocational sewing and product processing training to persons with disabilities and their caregivers in Sila Sub-district for over two years. These efforts led to the formation of the “Kaen Jai” and “Hug Sila” occupational groups. Formal registration as an official club provides the collective with legal status, serving as a centralised mechanism to safeguard rights and enable government agencies to systematically allocate developmental budgets. During the meeting, Ms. Racham explained that KKU aims to help disability groups move beyond basic income generation towards advocating for their legitimate rights. To ensure sustained progress, Khon Kaen University was appointed to the club’s Advisory Board to provide continuous academic guidance and product development support.
This initiative aligns directly with Khon Kaen University’s strategic policy to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across three key dimensions: eradicating poverty and promoting decent work (SDG 1 and SDG 8) through vocational skill development; reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by providing equal access to social welfare; and fostering partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) by building strong networks between educational institutions and local government authorities.
Mr. Nopparat Sawaengkan, Deputy Mayor of Sila Town Municipality, expressed his gratitude to the Office of Academic Service at KKU for its continuous dedication and valuable projects delivered to the Sila community. He stated that the formal establishment of the club represents a crucial driver in reducing social inequality and boosting morale for local persons with disabilities. Furthermore, he affirmed that Sila Town Municipality is fully committed to supporting the Sila Town Municipality Disability Club across all dimensions in order to achieve tangible, long-term outcomes.
