Oh Gwang-rok, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, announced on the 16th that he proposed "the establishment of an educational curriculum embodying the fundamental spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement" during a 5-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 312th regular meeting.
Councilor Oh stated, "The history of democracy and autonomy continues from the Donghak Peasant Revolution to the April 19 Revolution, and from the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement to the June 10 Democratic Uprising," and urged, "Let us actively utilize an educational curriculum that embodies the fundamental spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement in the world's largest university and resident autonomy capacity-building education promoted by Seo-gu."
He also cited the results of the May 18 awareness survey released this year, saying, "Recognition of May 18 has decreased by 1.7% among people in their 30s, 2.7% among those in their 40s, and 0.3% in the Gwangju and Jeolla regions," and added, "Democratic civic education is necessary to remember and inherit the spirit of May so that May 18 is not forgotten by citizens."
Councilor Oh concluded his remarks by saying, "The civic spirit of participation and autonomy and democracy are more necessary than anything else in South Korea today. There is a saying in democratic systems that 'the ignorance of one voter brings misfortune to all.' I hope democratic civic education, which involves thinking together and creating together, will be realized."
Shin Dong-ho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr
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