"On the Day They Learned the Alphabet, They Took Cheongsimhwan" 666 Adult Learners Receive Elementary and Middle School Graduation Certificates

90-Year-Old Oldest Graduate Kim Deoksil Receives Superintendent's Commendation
60s to 80s Account for 95% of Literacy Education Graduates
Seoul Literacy Education Program Expands to 70 Institutions This Year

Academic Credit Recognition Literacy Education Program Curriculum

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] "When I was young, I wanted to study so much that I used to pick wild greens next to the school and eavesdrop on lessons. When I first learned the alphabet, my heart fluttered so much that I bought Cheongsimhwan on my way home." (79-year-old So Ok-im)

"I was ashamed because I got married at a young age and couldn't read properly, but now I am very proud that I don't have to ask others for help. I am grateful that there is such a thing as a graduation ceremony for someone like me who never even set foot in elementary school. I want to do better in middle school." (74-year-old Kim Chun-ja)

A total of 666 adults who were unable to attend school or read and write will receive academic recognition certificates after completing elementary and middle school literacy education programs.

On the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced that from the 22nd to the 26th, it will deliver letters from the Seoul Superintendent of Education and congratulatory videos to those who completed the 2020 academic year elementary and middle school literacy education programs. Although joint graduation ceremonies have been held annually, this year’s ceremony will not take place due to COVID-19.

The oldest lifelong learner is Kim Deok-sil, who is 90 years old this year. Despite being over 90, she actively participated in classes with a passion for learning and demonstrated exemplary study habits. Kim will receive the academic recognition certificate along with a Superintendent’s Commendation awarded to outstanding learners.

The academic recognition certificates and outstanding learner commendations will be sent by registered mail to each education support office and lifelong learning center and awarded to completers by each literacy education institution.

In the 2020 academic year, 444 elementary and 222 middle school students completed literacy education programs at 55 institutions. The age distribution shows 39% in their 60s and 56% in their 70s and 80s, meaning 95% are seniors aged 60 to 80.

Currently, 2,301 learners in Seoul are participating in the programs. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has been operating the elementary and middle school academic recognition literacy education programs since 2011 to provide adults not only with the ability to read and write but also with opportunities to obtain academic qualifications.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to establish and designate 70 institutions this year as operating organizations for the elementary and middle school academic recognition literacy education programs.

Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon said, "I congratulate all learners who have borne fruit with a passion for learning no less than any student, and I hope you continue to enjoy the greater joy of learning through ongoing study and education."

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