How About the Ordinance We Are Drafting?

Seocho District Council to Hold Children and Youth Council Classroom on 24th... 11 Students from Sehwa Girls' Middle School and 12 from Maehun Elementary School on 25th Participate... Experiencing Legislative Activities to Understand the Role and Function of Local Councils

“Out of 10 members present, 4 voted in favor, 6 against, and 0 abstained. Based on Article 73 of the Local Autonomy Act, I hereby declare this agenda item rejected.”

Kim Haneul, acting as the chairperson, struck the gavel vigorously three times to announce the rejection of the agenda. On the 24th, the seats in the main hall of the council were filled with students from Sehwa Girls' Middle School. These students participated in the ‘2023 Children and Youth Council Classroom,’ an event where they directly experience the role of local councils. The meeting was conducted exactly as in a real council session, with all participating students taking on roles such as electing the chairperson, debating, and electronic voting.

The mock agenda for the day was the ‘Ordinance on Installing CCTV in Schools in Seocho-gu, Seoul.’ After the ordinance proposal was explained, a debate was held based on scripts prepared by the students themselves. Kim Nayoon, who spoke in favor, argued that installing CCTV could reduce school violence and help protect teachers' authority. Baek Sujeong also expressed support, expecting it to prevent theft incidents in classrooms. The opposition debate followed. Kim Chaehyun expressed concerns that installing CCTV in classrooms could infringe on the human rights and privacy of students and teachers. Cheon Soeun added that if the budget is limited, it should be used where it is more needed. She also shared her thoughts, saying, “I was disappointed that we haven’t had many opportunities for debate classes due to COVID-19, and I found the process of exchanging different opinions and reaching a conclusion impressive.” On the following day, the 25th, students from Maeheon Elementary School participated and continued the lively debate in the same manner.

Chairperson Oh Secheol encouraged the students, saying, “I hope this valuable experience of directly participating in council activities helped you understand the roles and functions of local councils and develop the qualities of future democratic citizens.”