Hamyang-gun Anui Middle School Expands by 2 Classes for the First Time in 12 Years

Population Growth Achievements Including an Increase of 16 People Compared to Last Year

Aerial view of Anui Middle School, Hamyang-gun

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Anui Middle School in Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam, has expanded to 5 classes for the first time in 12 years, creating a highly welcomed atmosphere not only at the school but also in the local community.

In the late 1970s, Anui Middle School had 27 classes with about 1,900 students, but due to severe population decline, it decreased to 3 classes in 2009 and maintained that number until last year.

However, this year, with an increase in the number of students, the Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education approved the addition of 2 classes, starting the semester with 5 classes and an increase of 16 students after 12 years: 2 classes in 1st grade, 2 classes in 2nd grade, and 1 class in 3rd grade.

This increase in students is the result of the school's own efforts to improve the educational environment to attract students, promotion through various media such as the school website and SNS, the combined efforts of the alumni association and the local community to recruit students, as well as various population-increasing policies implemented by the county.

While most middle schools in the province are struggling due to declining student numbers, this school has been specially recognized for its increase in student enrollment.

Principal Park Young-jin stated, “This is the result of qualitative growth in the school’s educational programs and the passion of all staff members, and we will continue to strive to make this school better. We believe this will greatly contribute to the county’s ongoing population-increasing policies.”

Meanwhile, with Anui-myeon confirmed as the site for the construction of 100 units of village maintenance-type public housing under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s public contest project finalized in January this year, it is expected that upon completion around the end of 2023, the local economy will be revitalized and the number of students transferring to local schools will increase.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.