Busan Office of Education Morning Change, Four Times More Schools Applied Than Planned

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Interest in the morning physical activity program ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’ is increasing day by day in schools.

On the 21st, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education announced that 193 schools applied for the ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’ pilot school contest, about four times more than the originally planned 50 schools.

This reflects the demand from schools for ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’ as a solution to the sharp increase in the proportion of students with low physical fitness, obesity, and overweight compared to before COVID-19.

Superintendent Ha Yoon-su participating in the morning physical activity 'Morning Change (體仁智)'.

The application status by school level is 64 elementary schools, 73 middle schools, 53 high schools, and 3 special schools.

In particular, contrary to expectations, the application rate of high schools was 36%, higher than 21% for elementary schools and 24% for middle schools.

The Busan Office of Education explained that this is interpreted as the field’s will to solve the severe lack of physical activities among high school students due to entrance exams and other reasons through ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’.

The Office of Education will hold a focused briefing session on the operation of ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’ pilot schools via ZOOM at 3 p.m. on the 27th for these 193 schools, providing guidance on efficient operation methods.

In addition, the city education office plans to recruit schools wishing to participate in ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’ on an ongoing basis throughout the year and provide support.

An education office official said, “It seems that schools also recognize the importance and necessity of morning physical activities, and the response to the ‘Achim Change (體仁智)’ project in the field is enthusiastic. We plan to recruit pilot schools on an ongoing basis, so we hope many schools will participate.”