On April 15, 2025, a unique educational initiative took place at Yeonsu Middle School, where students from diverse backgrounds, including those from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, participated in an experience-based program aimed at rediscovering the meaning of peace. This program involved a series of activities designed to engage students in understanding and promoting peace, particularly in the context of their varied cultural backgrounds.
The program featured activities such as icebreaking sessions through 'Opening Peace,' storytelling about peace using picture books, and a visit to Manghyangdae, where students empathized with the pain of displaced individuals. Additionally, students explored Daeryuk Market to experience the significance of diversity, peace, and coexistence firsthand.
A high school student who took part in the program shared their thoughts, stating, "The story of displaced people who lived together after being estranged due to war was impressive," adding that it was "a meaningful time to think about Korean history and the importance of peace." This sentiment highlights the program's impact on fostering understanding and empathy among students from different backgrounds.
In remarks about the initiative, an official from the Nanjeong Peace Education Center noted, "The importance of respecting diversity and coexistence is growing due to the increase in students from immigrant backgrounds." They further expressed plans to expand programs that foster peace sensitivity, emphasizing the need to recognize and embrace each other’s differences.
In a parallel effort to enhance international exchange and cooperation among students, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education has designated six schools, including two elementary and four high schools, as international exchange research schools. This initiative aims to develop models for international exchange programs that are integrated into school curricula, thereby supporting international cooperation activities.
The expansion of educational opportunities extends to the Gyeonggi Public School sector, where the education support office's role has been enhanced to help students build international capabilities. This includes designating a 'Central Education Support Office for International Exchange Cooperation' to coordinate efforts across schools and public institutions.
In another notable development, the Gyeonggi Online School is working to globalize the online education content of the Gyeonggi Korean Language Learning Center. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to students worldwide who wish to learn about Korean language, culture, and writing.
Seongnam Office of Education has also been proactive in fostering international exchanges. Recently recognized as the Provincial Office of Education's International Exchange Cooperation Center, it plans to connect Seongnam's robust international exchange networks with nearby educational institutions. The office is also set to implement various courses for teachers to enhance their international exchange capabilities.
In a significant move to bolster educational support for multicultural and immigrant students, Sookmyung Women's University announced plans to provide intensive education tailored to these students until February 2027. The program will feature small class sizes of 15 students, allowing for personalized learning experiences that consider individual learning paces.
The curriculum will not only focus on language acquisition but will also incorporate arts, physical activities, cultural experiences, and career mentoring to support holistic student growth. An official from the university's Global Language Institute emphasized, "We will not spare various support so that students can overcome language barriers." This commitment reflects the university's dedication to aiding immigrants, including foreign students, in their educational and social adaptation.
Moreover, Sookmyung Women’s University has been re-selected as the operating organization for the Ministry of Justice's 'Social Integration Program,' a role it has held since 2012. This program aims to help immigrants become self-sufficient members of Korean society by providing education on the Korean language, culture, and systems.
In addition to language education, the university is expanding its educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth. The Music Talent Education Center at Sookmyung has partnered with Seoul City to run the 'Seoul Arts Talent Music Education Project,' which supports students from low-income backgrounds by covering all educational expenses. This year, the program has broadened its scope to include middle school students, in addition to elementary students.
On April 14, 2025, the Anyang Gwacheon Education Support Office opened the '2025 Anyang Gwacheon Gyeonggi Korean Language Learning School' to assist elementary multicultural students in adapting to school life. This short-term intensive Korean language program will run until July 9, 2025, at the Daon Vision Education Center.
The opening ceremony was a lively event attended by multicultural students, parents, and education officials, featuring welcoming remarks and violin performances to boost the morale of attendees. One parent expressed their hopes for their child, stating, "I applied for commissioned education because my child was having difficulty communicating with friends in Korean," looking forward to a more fulfilling school experience.
Superintendent Lee Seung-hee highlighted that the Gyeonggi Korean Language Learning School is designed to support multicultural students' entry into public education, assuring that efforts will be made to help these students grow into proud members of society.
In a similar vein, the Gongju Education Support Office launched the 'Malbit School' Korean and Bilingual Language Class on April 11, 2025, aimed at helping students from immigrant backgrounds adapt to school life and develop their bilingual skills. The opening ceremony included various stakeholders, including students, guardians, and local officials, showcasing a collaborative effort to support these students.
Operating four classes, the program includes Korean language classes for kindergarten and elementary students, as well as bilingual classes in Chinese and Vietnamese for elementary students. The curriculum utilizes picture books to facilitate language learning, ensuring that students are engaged and supported in their educational journey.
Superintendent Koo Ki-nam emphasized the importance of customized education for the increasing number of students from immigrant backgrounds, stating, "Malbit School provides customized education and guarantees learning rights to students from immigrant backgrounds who are increasing every year." This initiative reflects a broader commitment to recognizing cultural diversity and supporting healthier school experiences for all students.
As these initiatives unfold across various educational institutions, they collectively underscore the growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and peace education in shaping a harmonious society.
