Development of water hyacinth handicrafts vocational training program for senior citizens

Abstract

     This study aimed to develop a water hyacinth handicrafts vocational training program for senior citizens and to test the adoption of the program. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The samples were 62 key informants, including water hyacinth handicrafts specialists, practitioners, and scholars in Chakkarat sub-district, Chakkarat district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. Data collection consisted of tests, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The statistics for the analysis of quantitative data were the mean, standard deviation, and a paired-samples t-test. The analysis of qualitative data was based on content analysis. It was found that the water hyacinth handicrafts vocational training program for senior citizens met the needs of the senior citizens as they could apply it in their daily life and as a part-time job to sustainably generate income for themselves, their families, communities, and society. In addition, after attending the water hyacinth handicrafts vocational training program, the senior citizens had more knowledge and skills than before the training. It was also found that product quality was high and the program rated as very highly satisfying.