10 Minutes That Changed Bokju Elementary’s Morning: Earth-Friendly Actions Take Root on the Way to School

On Earth Day, April 22, students at Andong Bokju Elementary School drew attention by leading an environmental campaign along their school commute route. The significance of the event was heightened by the fact that it was not a one-off occurrence; instead, students reflected on the value of the environment and strengthened their commitment to putting these values into practice.

Earth Day 2026 Andong Bokju Elementary School Commute Campaign Photo by Andong City

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This campaign was jointly organized by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Sustainable Development Council, the Andong City Sustainable Development Council, and the Andong City Environmental Education Center. Student council members from Bokju Elementary School took the lead, setting the tone and atmosphere on site.

On the day of the campaign, student council members engaged arriving students in a ‘Quiz to Protect the Earth,’ delivering the importance of environmental protection in an easy and approachable manner. They also used handmade box banners to promote the need for carbon neutrality and eco-friendly practices in daily life. Additionally, they operated an interactive program where students put stickers on the action items they resonated with, which was met with an enthusiastic response.

This event stood out because it did not stop at simply informing students about the need for environmental protection. Instead, it created an opportunity for them to think about ways to protect the Earth themselves and to solidify their determination to act. Notably, students participated in every stage of campaign planning and operation, demonstrating how small actions for a sustainable future can naturally spread within the school community.

In celebration of Earth Day, participation in the nationwide lights-off event, scheduled from 8:00 p.m. for 10 minutes that evening, was also actively encouraged. The purpose was to remind everyone of the importance of responding to the climate crisis and saving energy by turning off unnecessary lights and briefly reducing electricity consumption.

Lee Gipil, Chairperson of the Andong City Sustainable Development Council, said, "On Earth Day, it was a meaningful occasion for students to take the lead in raising awareness about the importance of the environment and pledging to take action," adding, "We will continue to carry out a variety of environmental education activities involving both schools and the local community."

This school commute campaign at Bokju Elementary School is being recognized as an example that, rather than grand slogans, small actions in daily life can lead to greater change from the students’ perspective. The environmental protection practices that began at school are expected to serve as a catalyst for broader adoption at home and throughout the local community.

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