[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation has been sequentially opening the 'OnDream School Elementary Classroom' since the 21st of last month to fill the educational gap in rural fishing and farming areas caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The 'OnDream School Elementary Classroom,' operated for elementary students in rural farming and fishing villages to cultivate creative convergence and artistic capabilities, offers subjects such as Maker (making class), physical education, future competencies, theater, music, and art. Initially, it planned to operate 225 classrooms in 100 elementary schools this year, but due to the impact of COVID-19, 200 classrooms (89%) are currently in operation, and all will be opened sequentially.
Started in 2012, the 'OnDream School Elementary Classroom' is one of the key educational support projects of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation. Over eight years, 30,000 elementary students have participated, with an average annual budget of 1.44 billion KRW and a total project cost of 11.5 billion KRW. This year, a budget of 2.7 billion KRW has been allocated. Classes this year will be newly operated not only during the semester but also as special vacation classes, and plans include educational forums for current and prospective teachers, a year-end elementary classroom performance sharing meeting, and contests.
The OnDream School Elementary Classroom operates in strict compliance with quarantine guidelines. Instructors are checked for self-quarantine status two weeks before teaching, and whether they have visited locations of confirmed cases. From one week before teaching, they conduct daily self-health checks. Additionally, students use thoroughly disinfected teaching tools, and quarantine guidelines such as ventilation before class and maintaining distance between students are checked every class session.
The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation was established in 2007 with a private donation from Chung Mong-Koo, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. Based on the founder's philosophy of social contribution, it continuously carries out specialized activities in nurturing future talents, supporting marginalized groups, and promoting culture and arts through the brand 'OnDream.'
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
