Why Are Participants Highly Satisfied with the 'Seongdong-gu Parent School'?

High Participant Satisfaction Through Parent Capacity Building Education via Team-Based Mutual Communication

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] “I wondered if the ‘Seongdong Self-Parenting School’ would be helpful in raising children, but it turned out to be an education that nurtures me as I raise my child.”

On the 7th, a completion ceremony was held at the Seongdong District Office auditorium for participants of the ‘Seongdong Self-Parenting School,’ who had struggled for two months to become parents.

This program has been operated by Seongdong-gu since 2017 to strengthen parental capabilities and revitalize the community. It is run in collaboration with the Seongdong Childcare Support Center and Jarampamily, a childcare consulting social venture based in Seongdong-gu.

Unlike large-scale instructor-led education, about 100 parents living in the area form teams of 4 to 8 members each, focusing on strengthening their childcare capabilities through mutual communication. Leaders of each team first receive small group lectures on parenting education, and then the teams hold individual self-help meetings centered around these leaders to share stories and concerns about child education and “What kind of parent am I?” The goal is to encourage parents’ spontaneity, promote mutual care, and activate the parent community.

The completion ceremony gathered over 80 participants from 15 teams who joined the ‘Self-Parenting School’ starting with a preliminary special lecture in October last year. It included a mini-workshop sharing impressions and changes after two months of education, followed by the awarding of certificates.

Additionally, a flea market zone was set up where participants sold items that were no longer used at home but too valuable to throw away, receiving great enthusiasm from attendees.

Mr. Hong from Geumho 4-ga-dong, who attended the ceremony, said, “It was a precious time that made me realize that we parents also grow during the process of raising our children,” adding, “Unlike other education programs, I really liked the process of first reflecting on myself and finding answers.”

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “Seongdong-gu will continue to strengthen the public nature of childcare and support the enhancement of parenting capabilities through programs like the Parent School, as well as improve the quality of childcare services to ensure the happy growth of infants and young children.”