Starfish Education commemorates its 20th anniversary of advancing Thai education through the event '20 Years of Starfish Education,' held on July 15, 2025 at Starfish Hub, Bangkok, and on July 17, 2025 at Starfish School, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai.
From Humble Beginnings to National and Global Impact
2005: Founded as the Starfish Country Home School Foundation by Dr. Richard P. Haugland to provide opportunities for underprivileged children.
2006: Opened Starfish Country Home School in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, along with a Starfish Children's Home projects in Chiang Mai.
2007: Developed the 3R Innovation (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic) by Dr. Richard P. Haugland.
2010: The first cohort of Grade 6 students graduated-Opening of a Children's Home Project in Chiang Rai.
2011: Launched the Starfish Day Care Center in Bangkok.
2012: Launched the LifePrep Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation in Samut Sakhon, established to promote educational opportunities.
2013: Launched the Chiang Mai Starfish Learning Center.
2015: The 10th anniversary of the founding of the Starfish Country Home School Foundation marks a decade of unwavering commitment to advancing education for every child.
2016: A Vision Takes Root: Dr. Richard P. Haugland and Dr. Prae Seributra joined forces to shape Starfish Education. That same year, Dr. Prae became President, ushering in a new era of innovation, equity, and impact.
2017-2018: Launched Starfish Maker (STEAM Makerspace) and Starfish Labz, an online learning platform for teachers and students.
2019: Launched Starfish Class, a competency assessment tool that reflects students' potential in real-world contexts.
2022: Expanded Makerspace to over 100 schools nationwide.
2023: Organised FutureEd Fest, an education innovation festival for transformation.
2024: Starfish School was selected as one of the top three schools in the world for the World's Best School Prizes 2024 - Innovation.
2025: Partnered with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in the Future Youth Thailand project to develop future skills for Thai youth.
Celebrating Two Decades of Impact: Starfish Education Marks Its 20th Anniversary
For the past two decades, Starfish Education has remained steadfast in its belief that 'every child has potential-if we create the right environment for them to thrive.'
What began with the story of a starfish and the inspiration of founder Dr. Richard Paul 'Dick' Haugland has grown into an organisation dedicated to pioneering innovations for teachers and students-delivering tangible impact at both local and national levels.
The 20th anniversary of Starfish Education is not only a moment of reflection on past achievements but also a tribute to the vision, dedication, and inspiration of the many individuals who have contributed to the organisation's journey. These efforts have helped shape educational policy and practices across Thailand and mark the organisation's first steps onto the global stage.
A Journey of Change: Reflections from Visionary Leaders
The celebration will feature keynote reflections from two key figures who have played vital roles in Starfish Education's story: Mr. Francesco Caruso, Principal of Firetree Group and Dr. Nanthaporn Prae Seributra, President of Starfish Education Foundation and CEO Starfish Education. Together, they shared the stories behind the organisation's first steps and the inspiration that fuelled a 20-year journey of transforming the lives of students, educators, and schools across the country. Their reflections will highlight the challenges, the belief in possibility, and the power of networks in driving meaningful and lasting change in education.
Lessons for the Future
'This milestone offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate 20 years of Starfish Education-an organisation that has continuously strived to bring about sustainable and meaningful transformation in Thai education. Starfish has proven that true change doesn't always begin with grand gestures; it often starts with small, committed actions. And when carried out consistently and wholeheartedly, these actions can create an extraordinary ripple effect across society.'
The event will also include insights from key partners in government and the social sector-individuals and organisations who have collaborated with Starfish in shaping policies, pioneering educational innovations, and co-creating a more inclusive and dynamic learning ecosystem.
A Gathering of Over 150 Changemakers
The event brings together more than 150 participants, including government officials, social innovators, educators, alumni, students, and parents from over 50 partner networks nationwide. Each attendee represents a valued companion on this two-decade journey of advancing equitable and sustainable education in Thailand.
'The past 20 years mark only the beginning. The journey ahead belongs to all of us-to build a better future through education that is accessible to everyone.'
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).