Gwangju Seo-gu Council Supports 'Lifelong Learning City Project for Persons with Disabilities'

Published 26 Dec.2021 22:06(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] The Seo-gu Council of Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 26th that it has passed the 'Resolution Supporting the Creation of a Lifelong Learning City for the Disabled in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.'

After passing the resolution, all Seo-gu council members stated in a joint statement, "Since 1.45 million people with disabilities nationwide, accounting for 54.4%, have an education level of middle school or below, the demand and necessity for lifelong education to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities have steadily increased," adding, "However, as of 2019, while the lifelong learning participation rate of the entire population exceeds 36%, the lifelong learning participation rate of all registered people with disabilities is only 0.2%."

They continued, "Systematic support for lifelong education for people with disabilities is necessary, including the establishment of a lifelong learning city for the disabled to build a disability-friendly lifelong learning environment, the introduction of literacy education curricula for the disabled and the establishment of an academic recognition system, and the development of customized lifelong education programs considering the characteristics and needs of the disabled," emphasizing, "We agree on the need to designate a practical lifelong learning city for the disabled to guarantee the lifelong learning rights of people with disabilities and to foster a culture of lifelong learning for the disabled, and the Seo-gu Council intends to join forces in this effort."

Kim Soo-young, the council member who proposed the resolution, said, "There should be no discrimination or barriers in learning," and added, "We will do our best to provide customized lifelong education support so that people with disabilities can develop basic literacy education, humanities knowledge, and vocational skills throughout their lives."