THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONAL COMPETENCIES OF THE CHILD AND YOUTH COUNCIL IN BAN KROT MUNICIPALITY, BANG PA-IN DISTRICT, PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research entitled The Development of Operational Competencies of the Child and Youth Council in Ban Krot Municipality, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province aimed to: 1) examine the civic competencies of the Children and Youth Council in Ban Krot Municipality; 2) compare the civic competencies of the Children and Youth Council in Ban Krot Municipality; and 3) explore guidelines for developing the civic competencies of the Children and Youth Council in Ban Krot Municipality. This study utilizes a mixed-methods research approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. The sample group consisted of 105 members of the Children and Youth Council of Ban Krot Municipality, selected using purposive sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, including percentage, mean, standard deviation, and One-Way ANOVA. In addition, qualitative data were collected from 13 key informants and analyzed using descriptive analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) The overall performance competency of the Children and Youth Council was at a high level. Motivation had the highest mean (X̄ = 4.20, S.D. = 0.57), followed by ability (X̄ = 4.19, S.D. = 0.57), skills (X̄ = 4.15, S.D. = 0.61), knowledge (X̄ = 4.08, S.D. = 0.63), and personal attributes (X̄ = 3.86, S.D. = 0.53), respectively. 2) personal factors, including gender, age, educational level, position, and length of service, showed no statistically significant differences in opinions toward civic competencies at the .05 level; and 3) development guidelines should comprehensively address all five dimensions: knowledge, skills, abilities, attributes, and motivation. Emphasis should be placed on enhancing practical working skills, fostering appropriate attributes, and continuously encouraging participation motivation, which will be beneficial for improving the civic competencies of the Children and Youth Council and can be further applied to effectively promote youth participation at the local level.