Dobong-gu Launches 'Neuru', the Nation's First Zoom-Based International Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Youth Project

Using Zoom-based PhotoVoice method revealing own voice and experience, domestic and international RCE city youth engage in assignments and discussions on 'The truth of hamburgers'... Recruitment until March 12, focusing on sustainable living and glocal leadership capacity building

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dobong-gu (Mayor Dongjin Lee) will operate the international ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) youth project "Neuru," based on Zoom, from May to December, becoming the first local government in the country to do so.

Dobong-gu, which was selected as a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) for sustainable development education by the UN University in January last year?the first among Seoul’s autonomous districts?has prepared the international ESD project "Neuru" to encourage voluntary practice and action toward sustainable development goals for youth, following the publication project of an elementary school-level "Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) textbook" through public-private-academic collaboration.

The pure Korean word "Neuru," meaning "not rushing all at once but over a long time," embodies the idea of encouraging youth to pursue a sustainable life over the long term.

The "Neuru" project focuses on SDG4 (Quality Education), specifically target 4.7, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, based on ecological literacy. It aims to strengthen youth’s ecological transition and glocal leadership capabilities while leading voluntary practices for a sustainable life.

Considering the difficulty of face-to-face meetings due to COVID-19, this project will be conducted remotely via Zoom. It notably utilizes the photovoice research method actively in the process where youth living in RCE cities worldwide share thoughts on common issues and derive solutions.

“Photovoice” is a participatory research method that uses “photographs” to express one’s voice and experiences and promote changes in the local community.

The "Neuru" project, consisting of a total of eight sessions including orientation and final reporting, is significant as Dobong-gu independently plans and operates all aspects of the project.

The learning process includes ▲pre-meetings ▲task execution (each session) ▲theoretical classes (photovoice research method, photography theory) ▲discussions on task execution.

Applications for participants in the international ESD youth project "Neuru" will be accepted from February 19 to March 12. Recruitment is on a first-come, first-served basis for a total of 18 students?6 each from elementary, middle, and high schools within the region.

For more details, contact the Sustainable Development Policy Team at Dobong-gu Office.

Mayor Dongjin Lee of Dobong-gu said, “At the end of last year, the UN University highly evaluated the planning and operational purpose of the 'Neuru' project, shared it with the global RCE network, and appointed me as the coordinator for this year’s ESD youth activities. The theme of this project, which has applicants from Japan, China, India, the United States, Australia, and more, is ‘The truth of hamburgers.’ I hope that sharing the awareness of various social issues triggered by hamburgers among students from different regions will serve as a stepping stone toward solving global problems.”

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