The Institute of International Education (IIE), Department of Education at Stockholm University co-organizes the 4th Education for Rural Transformation (ERT) International Symposium to be held 18–20 November 2013 at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand. The theme for the Symposium will be “Research-Based Evidence of Good Practice”. It is being hosted by the Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University.

The Education for Rural Transformation Symposiums were initiated by Professor Vinayagum Chinapah at IIE in order to encourage the development of education systems that could transform and improve the life of the rural poor. The first one was held in Stockholm, Sweden 2010, the second one in Chengdu, China 2011 and the third one in Vadodara, India 2012. These conferences brought together university researchers and the teachers and educators working in schools and education institutions in rural areas in countries such as China, India, Thailand among others.  The in-depth comparative studies, both qualitative and quantitative, presented at these conferences provided information that is required if a successful rural transformation is to be achieved through education. The papers and discussions at these conferences all point to the necessity of re-examining the role of education and learning in rural areas as well as to re-evaluate present policies and priorities (both national and international) with regards to the perspectives of rural people. More information about the 2013 Bangkok conference.