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Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C)
Jun 23, 2006
Thailand: Equal Opportunity, National Unity Promoted at Citibank Youth Development Camp
Bangkok – Equal opportunities in education and national unity were the twin themes of Citigroup Thailand’s latest Youth Development Camp held from June 2-5. Run in collaboration with the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand (under His Majesty The King’s royal patronage) the fifth annual camp involved 86 promising students from underprivileged families.
During the camp, the students participated in projects covering education, the environment and community development. They also visited several schools and historic and natural landmarks in Saraburi province.
Speaking about Citigroup’s support of the community program, Gary Newman, Citigroup Country Officer said, "Citigroup Thailand has made a long-term commitment to helping underprivileged students realize their educational ambitions. We are proud to have been involved for the last five years and delighted to see that more students from more provinces are being involved every year."
In addition to organizing the camp, Citigroup, through the Citigroup Foundation also provides study scholarships for the students. This year grants were given to 156 students.
Senior High 50
Vocational College 22
University 84
Mr. Newman said one of the pleasing aspects of this year’s scholarship list was the progress made by a number of students who joined as juniors in past camps.
"It’s been great to see the year-by-year development of a number of students who have been with us from the start. For some, this was their third or fourth camp and they appear destined for a bright future."
One such student was Wuttichai Kairunga who has received a Citigroup scholarship since 2002. Coming from a small family, Wuttichai is now a sophomore student studying engineering at Technology Prachomklao Thonburi University.
He said the value of teamwork was one of the biggest things that he learned at this year's gathering.
"I learnt a lot about teamwork and being a team player. This was especially important during our activity at Krabog Cave where we had to be honest and open with each other.
"To progress, we also had to trust one another and as we were essentially strangers it was amazing to see how quickly bonds were formed and friendships made."
Another student who has great strides is Art Puttiroengrong. He is one of the top students at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Engineering and was recently selected under the government's "One Tambon One Scholarship" program to study in either Germany, Russia or Japan. He said attending the camps over the years had played a big part in his development.
"I've been lucky enough to attend three camps where I have learnt many new skills. Of these, learning how to adapt to new situations is one of the best things because we are challenged to try new things and experiences at the camps."
Commenting on the selection process, Dr Wachiraya Buasri, Secretary, The National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand noted, "We chose students who we believe had the potential to excel if given the right support. So the selection benchmarks included social, family and economic factors."
To promote unity, Citibank and the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand created several initiatives that highlighted Thailand’s history and culture.
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Citigroup
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