Seo-gu, Gwangju Named Best Child-Friendly City Nationwide... Wins Minister of Health and Welfare Award

The Fruits of the "Together Seo-gu Happy School" Policy

Seo-gu, Gwangju received the grand prize in the Child-Friendly City category for its "Together Seo-gu Happy School" policy.

On the 18th, Seo-gu was selected as the best local government nationwide at the 2025 Child-Friendly City Best Practices Awards Ceremony, hosted by the UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Local Government Council in Hongseong-gun, Chungnam, and received the grand prize, the Minister of Health and Welfare Award.

Gwangju Seo-gu was selected as the best local government nationwide and received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award, the grand prize, at the "2025 Child-Friendly City Best Practices Awards Ceremony" held on the 18th in Hongseong-gun, Chungnam, hosted by the UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Local Government Council. Photo by Gwangju Seo-gu

This award recognizes outstanding policies of local governments across the country that create environments where children are respected and can grow up safely. It comprehensively evaluates systems, participation, education, and policy foundations for the promotion of children's rights.

In June 2022, Seo-gu became the first district in Gwangju to receive UNICEF Child-Friendly City advanced certification. Based on ESG principles, Seo-gu has led the realization of children's rights through initiatives such as the "Zero Waste Seo-gu" environmental camp, the creation of ALL-KIDS ZONEs, the Youth District Participation Group, the "Children's Rights Psychodrama" program brought to schools, and the Child Abuse Prevention Challenge.

In particular, the "Together Seo-gu Happy School" was highly praised as an educational model for a growth community that practices children's rights in everyday life. The Happy School is an education program for the joint growth of children and parents, moving away from exam-focused education and instead fostering problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and self-direction through hands-on experiences.

Seo-gu strengthened future education trends and parent coaching capabilities through the "Parent Happy School," and enhanced children's problem-solving skills through challenge activities in nature with the "Children's Happy School." In the "Together Happy School," a character coaching program for parents and children was also operated, strengthening communication and empathy among participants.

Seo-gu Mayor Lee Ikang stated, "This is the official recognition of Seo-gu's policies and practices, which have worked to proactively reflect children's rights throughout administration." He added, "'Together Seo-gu Happy School' is a new model for education policy and an innovative challenge, where parents and children grow together."

He continued, "Going forward, we will create an educational ecosystem that connects families, schools, and the local community, and build a warm city where children and parents grow together."

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