MISSION POSSIBLE | Youth Social Hackathon
When synodality met the next generation - empowerment to tackle global challenges
The inaugural MISSION POSSIBLE Youth Social Hackathon, held from July 12-14, marked a historic moment for the Church in Thailand when voices of children from all over the country were brought together to tackle pressing global social issues. Aligning with the Synod on Synodality meeting's "walking together" ethos, the hackathon provided a platform for young minds to contribute to solving global crises while practicing synodality through listening, discernment and mission.
Organized by the Catholic Education Council of Thailand and LiCAS News, the hackathon welcomed high school students aged 13-19 from 12 Catholic schools across Thailand. These young participants were encouraged to ideate and create solutions for chronic social issues, including migrant labor, family dynamics, gender roles, the effects of digital technology, economic equality, climate change, and inter-religious unity.
The children worked over three days to "hack" their chosen problems and give a 4-minute "pitch" for funding to make their solutions become reality. The 4-minute limit was inspired by the time limit given to each participant to speak at the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican.
A total of €10,000 in funding was up for grabs. However, unlike other hackathons, where fundings are given as prizes and awards, the organizers emphasized that this funding represents both a burden and a responsibility that has now been entrusted to the recipients and an acknowledgement that their young voices have been heard.
Day 1
Igniting Innovation and Embracing Synodality
The hackathon launched with a dynamic and engaging first day.
Participants were introduced to the Synod principles, the event’s theme, and the challenges ahead. The day's keynote sessions set a clear roadmap for the event, ensuring participants were aligned with the hackathon’s objectives.
Fr. Paul Ekarat Homprathum, CECT Secretary General, guided the participants, contrasting ethical hacking with harmful hacking.
He said people know about hackers who steal from them, “the black hat hackers, but there are also white hat hackers who help to make things better.”
“Today we are wearing the white hat for a better society by practicing synodality and listening to those in need,” he said.
Peter Monthienvichienchai, Executive Director of LiCAS, said the goal of the event is to raise “awareness of and engagement with the Synod among youths.”
“Most importantly, it is an opportunity for all of us to practice synodality, especially the adults to show that we are really listening to these youths,” he said.
Industry leaders and changemakers played the part of mentors who shared their invaluable experiences in making life-changing social solutions come true and how to scale up to national level.
Ada Chirapaisarnkul shared her experience of developing a national fundraising online platform for charities. Dr. Santi Lapbenjakul inspired the children by sharing emotional personal experiences that drove him to develop healthcare support for people on the fringe of society.
Other mentors provided transformative inspiration to the children to show that they are truly being empowered, are being listened to and can really make a difference.
Than Peneakchanasak, who as a teenager lost both her legs in an accident, showed the children the power of determination and mental strength. Jaroen Dinu, an Indigenous People community leader, revealed to the children the power that is already in their hands even without money or outside help.
Dr. Santi noted the potential of the participants. “I am so impressed with the questions from the children… I told them, come to me again in five to six years when you are a minister, we will talk again for sure.”
The 12 teams began the journey of “hacking” their chosen issues with discernment sessions immediately after each mentor's sharing session. School "coaches" were on hand to provide pastoral care and emotional support throughout the transformative journey.
A highlight of the day was the challenge given to all the teams to demonstrate synodality in their "hacking" process as well as to integrate the concept of synodality into their solutions. The children were tasked with demonstrating how their projects could promote inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups.
The Synodal Challenge
A key part of Synodality is listening.
Everyone involved genuinely listening to each other with respect and with the ears of the heart.
How does your solution promote synodality among everyone involved especially those on the fringe of society who are your age?
Sister Nina Krapic from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication
“I hope that from the hackathon you understand the importance of truly listening, and that listening may not be just part of the process, but also part of the solution too. You all have a special mission, a service in this world, and your mission is possible.”
Day 2
Intensive "hacking" and expert coaching
With most, if not all, the children not familiar with making a "pitch", the second day was focused on coaching the children to refine their ideas and prepare for their final 4-minute pitch.
Each team participated in pitching coaching sessions led by public speaking experts Narudee Kristhanin, Voranunt Prasertmet, Louis Kristhanin, and Athithan Ongpichetmetha.
A specially setup "hacking room" was opened for 8 hours with unlimited food and snacks provided to fuel the young minds.
The day was dedicated to extensive group discussions and hands-on preparation.
The children then applied feedback from their coaches to enhance and practice their pitches.
This rigorous iterative process provided practical skills in design thinking and project development, setting the stage for compelling presentations the next day.
