Hua Hin: A simple performance using water filled wine glasses became one of the most memorable moments of a youth gathering in Thailand, reminding students that true change begins by listening with the heart.
Around 70 high school students from Catholic schools across Thailand gathered in the coastal town of Hua Hin from July 25 to 27 for the third season of the MISSION POSSIBLE Youth Social Hackathon. The three day event encouraged young people to turn their ideas for social change into practical community projects while learning the value of empathy, teamwork and responsible leadership.
The programme was jointly organised by the Catholic Education Council of Thailand and LiCAS News at the Salesian Retreat House and Hua Hin Vittayalai School. Built around the synodal theme "Together We Make a Better World Possible," the event combined creativity, social innovation and personal reflection to inspire the next generation of community leaders.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the performance of renowned glass harp musician Weerapong Taweesak. By gently running his fingers across wine glasses filled with different amounts of water, he created soft and beautiful melodies that immediately captured the attention of the students.
After the performance, Taweesak shared a powerful story from his experience performing inside a prison in Bangkok. He explained that while attracting the attention of prisoners was not difficult, earning their trust required something much deeper. Music, he said, created a bridge between people and opened hearts in ways that ordinary conversation often could not.
He told the students that when he played the glass harp for prisoners, they realised he was genuinely present for them. Only then could real listening and meaningful conversations begin.
His message left a strong impression on the young participants.
Korn, a Grade 11 student from St Peter's School in Thonburi, said the music helped everyone focus completely on what was being shared. He said the experience reminded them that solving social problems requires not only intelligence and technical skills but also wisdom, compassion and the ability to truly listen to others.
His classmate Noppanant agreed, saying the unusual musical instrument showed how creative approaches can touch people's lives and inspire meaningful social projects.
Although the hackathon was rooted in the Catholic tradition, most of the participants came from Buddhist backgrounds. Despite their different faiths, the students embraced the spirit of synodality, a vision strongly promoted by the late Pope Francis that encourages people to walk together, listen deeply and work together in hope for the common good.
The opening day focused on helping students discover their purpose before developing their project ideas. Four experienced social innovators served as mentors, sharing personal stories of hardship, resilience and hope.
One mentor spoke openly about overcoming cancer three times, explaining how a positive outlook helped transform suffering into strength. Another mentor described spending time with protesters outside Government House, saying that standing beside people and listening carefully to their struggles can become the first step toward real social change.
As the programme continued, the students worked closely with mentors and professional public speaking coaches to develop their ideas into realistic and practical solutions. They refined their presentations, strengthened their teamwork and built friendships with participants from different schools and regions across Thailand.
The event concluded with 12 student teams presenting their projects in the hope of receiving seed funding to bring their ideas to life. Organisers reminded the students that financial support should never be seen simply as a prize.
They told participants that receiving funding brings responsibility. Every successful project carries a mission to improve not only the lives of those who create it but also the wider community.
By combining creative thinking with compassion and a willingness to listen, the young participants demonstrated that meaningful innovation is rooted in understanding people. Their projects reflected a shared belief that positive social change begins when people come together with open minds, caring hearts and a commitment to building a more just and peaceful world.