[Report] 'Stage 3 Lung Cancer and 94 Years Old'... Elderly Receiving Elementary and Middle School Diplomas

"Finally, my grudge has been resolved."

On the morning of the 21st, Han Daeseop (73), who visited the Salvation Army Gangbuk Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, showed his diploma with a deeply moved expression. He was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in 2021. However, he decided to resolve the grudge of not being able to attend school since he was 12 before his condition worsened. While receiving chemotherapy every three weeks, he devoted himself to adult literacy education. When taking medicine that did not suit his body, he suffered hair loss and insomnia, but he could not give up. As a result, he received an elementary school diploma more precious than anything else. Han said, "During the education, I didn't even realize how hard the chemotherapy was, and I feel completely relieved to have resolved the resentment of not being able to attend school," adding, "I am thinking about continuing to the middle school course, not stopping here."

At around 10 a.m. on the 21st, a graduation ceremony was held for the adult literacy education program completers at the Salvation Army Gangbuk Comprehensive Social Welfare Center. Despite suffering from stage 3 lung cancer, Mr. Han Daeseop (73) completed the program while undergoing chemotherapy.
Photo by Gong Byungseon mydillon@

At around 10 a.m. that day, a graduation ceremony was held at the Salvation Army Gangbuk Comprehensive Social Welfare Center for those who completed the adult literacy education program. Elderly people who could not attend school receive an elementary or middle school diploma upon completing the program here. Seven people from the elementary school course and ten from the middle school course participated in the ceremony that day.

This program was operated in response to concerns about the low literacy levels among the elderly. According to the "Adult Literacy Survey Results" announced last year by the Ministry of Education and the National Institute for Lifelong Education, 14.2% of seniors aged 60 and over were classified as literacy 'Level 1.' Level 1 means they cannot perform basic reading, writing, and arithmetic necessary for daily life. In the adult literacy education program, seniors learn not only Hangul but also mathematics, English, art, kiosk experience, and smartphone usage.

A Graduation Ceremony Filled with Encouragement Like "Well Done" and "Congratulations"

At around 10 a.m. on the 21st, a graduation ceremony was held at the Salvation Army Gangbuk Comprehensive Social Welfare Center for adults who completed the literacy education program. A total of 17 elderly individuals received elementary and middle school graduation certificates.
Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

Twenty minutes before the ceremony began, elderly participants dressed in academic gowns entered the graduation hall one by one. They exchanged handshakes and words of encouragement such as "Well done" and "Congratulations." If someone wore their graduation cap crookedly, others stepped forward to adjust it. When the ceremony started, the seniors watched a congratulatory video. Whenever their image appeared wearing old school uniforms for graduation photos, they showed shy smiles.

When it was their turn to receive diplomas, each person came up to the stage. Those with mobility difficulties received assistance from welfare center staff to go up and receive their diplomas. When the announcer said, "Name: Han Daeseop. This certifies that this person has elementary school academic qualifications according to Article 40 of the Lifelong Education Act," the graduates applauded each other generously. Those who received diplomas were once again congratulated.

Choi Seonhwa (53), who has been teaching seniors for nine years, expressed joy, saying it was a fulfilling moment every day. She said, "I feel great satisfaction in helping these people find hope for the rest of their lives," adding, "I am happy to be a guide and mentor for someone's dream path. I hope everything they do from now on goes well."

"I Fell in Love with Reading"... Seniors Who Resolved Their Long-Held Grudges About Learning

At around 10 a.m. on the 21st, a graduation ceremony was held for the adult literacy education program completers at the Salvation Army Gangbuk Comprehensive Social Welfare Center. Choi Soon-geum (94) is watching a congratulatory graduation video at the ceremony. Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

The elderly smiled, saying they had resolved grudges about learning that had lasted as long as 80 years or as short as 60 years. The oldest graduate that day, Choi Sunggeum (94), completed six years of education and received an elementary school diploma. At a young age, she chose marriage over school to avoid becoming a victim of the Japanese military comfort women system, and since her husband was shot in the leg during the Korean War and earned money instead, she surpassed 90 years of age. Even when she could not visit the welfare center due to the spread of COVID-19, she showed determination by calling her teacher and doing assignments. In the past, she could not understand anything when going to the bank, but now she proudly told people she even reads the news on her smartphone.

Choi said, "Six years ago, I saw elderly people learning Hangul on television and envied them, so I started learning letters without any plan, and now I am happy to see the fruits of that effort," smiling, "These days, I am addicted to the joy of reading. I will stack up books and read diligently during my rest time."