556 Lifelong Learners Overcome the "Ba-eum-ui Han" and Wear Graduation Caps

2022 Academic Year Elementary and Middle School Literacy Education Program Graduation Ceremony

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Hwang Hae-ja (84) could not pay the monthly school fee during her childhood and dropped out of elementary school. Carrying the regret of not being able to study, Hwang saw a notice recruiting adult students in a church bulletin and visited the Korea Women's Life Research Institute to start studying again. Having graduated from the elementary course at the advanced age of 77, she enrolled in the middle school course in 2019 and became a role model for fellow learners with her diligent attitude. Hwang said, "Now, as long as I can walk, I will go to study," adding, "Although it is late, studying relieves my regret and gives me happiness and vitality."

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will hold a graduation ceremony for the 2022 academic year elementary and middle school literacy education program completers at 10:30 a.m. on the 15th at the Babieng2 Education Center in Jung-gu, Seoul.

This year marks the 12th graduation ceremony, which will be held in person but on a reduced scale to manage quarantine for the elderly, a vulnerable group to COVID-19 infection.

Since the launch of the "Elementary and Middle School Literacy Education Program" by the nationwide city and provincial offices of education in 2011, 7,053 people have graduated as of last year. This year, 556 people from 56 institutions will receive academic recognition, including 402 elementary and 154 middle school completers. Among the elementary graduates, 31% are in their 60s, and 62% are in their 70s and 80s, indicating that most are older adults.

Among them, Kim Young-ja (91) is the oldest lifelong learner, who, despite being over 90 years old, showed great passion for learning and actively participated in classes, earning a commendation from the Superintendent of Education.

The "Elementary and Middle School Literacy Education" program provides low-educated and illiterate adults not only with the ability to read and write but also with practical literacy skills for daily life, offering opportunities to obtain academic qualifications.

Currently, 1,776 people in Seoul are participating, and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to expand various lifelong education programs for adult learners in the era of 100-year lifespans by establishing and designating 70 institutions (52 elementary and 18 middle school) as operating organizations for the elementary and middle school literacy education programs this year.

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