Gwangju Seo-gu Produces 28 Village Activists with Professional Competencies

Published 05 Oct.2023 14:28(KST)

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kim Ikang) announced on the 5th that it has produced 28 village activists with professional capabilities in village activities through the ‘Seo-gu Village Learning University Planner Course.’

To ensure the sustainability of village activities, Seo-gu conducted a total of 15 lectures over three months starting in July. On the 5th, certificates of completion were awarded to 28 participants who attended more than 80% of the course at the Changjak Nongseonggol Community Center, and perfect attendance awards were given to 9 residents who completed all the courses.

Completion ceremony of the Village U planner course. <br>Photo by Seogu

Completion ceremony of the Village U planner course.
Photo by Seogu

This training course included ▲ formation and operation of village communities ▲ understanding solidarity and cooperation systems and case studies ▲ education to enhance expertise in village activities (resident meetings / living labs / village activity planning) ▲ special lectures and workshops such as exploring best practices.

In particular, Professor Yoo Changbok (Graduate School of Social Economy, Sungkonghoe University, author of "We Play in the Village!") who served as an instructor, delivered practical special lectures on understanding the ‘formation and operation of village meetings’ and on ‘the changes in village meetings and the value and role of sustainable village meetings,’ eliciting empathy from the students and emphasizing the importance of growth for village activists.

Graduates of the Seo-gu Village Learning University Planner Course said, “We have newly realized the necessity of village activities that look at the problems of the area where we live from a new perspective and find solutions through solidarity and cooperation,” and added, “We will strive to cultivate a healthy village community with our neighbors.”

Seo-gu plans to operate a ‘Professional Supporter Course’ starting in February next year for graduates and activists with more than two years of village activity experience, aiming to nurture professional personnel to support village activities and take the lead in creating a sustainable village community ecosystem in Seo-gu.