Ulsan Office of Education Holds 13th 'Superintendent Meets Citizens' Event
Discussion on Need for Social Economy Education and Ways to Participate in Experiential Activities
Chun Changsoo, Superintendent of Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education, met with members of social economy enterprises to discuss ways to vitalize the social economy.
The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education held the 13th “Superintendent Meets with Citizens” event on the 26th of last month at the Jiphyeon Room in the Office of Education, with 15 members of social economy enterprises in attendance.
Participants shared various opinions, including education on the values and vision of the social economy for students, improving safe and clean educational environments, using local products and ingredients, and establishing an online platform for the social economy.
In particular, one member of a social economy enterprise stated, “It is important to educate students about the values and prospects of the social economy so that future generations can develop a sense of social responsibility and community spirit.”
In response, Superintendent Chun said, “I recognize the need for social economy education for students, and I will consider whether it is possible to establish a social economy subject in the curriculum.”
Another participant requested, “I hope that village education community centers, such as the Ulsan Village Education Community Hub Center in Sangbuk, can be established in each district, providing opportunities for social economy enterprises to participate in various experiential activities for students.”
Superintendent Chun explained, “Establishing district-based village education community hub centers is a goal of the Ulsan Office of Education. The Ulsan Student Creativity Nuri Center, a cultural experience space for students in Dong-gu, is scheduled to open in 2026, and the establishment of new centers in some areas is under review.”
He further emphasized, “To build a consensus on social values and achieve mutual growth between Ulsan education and social economy enterprises, active communication efforts are necessary.”
Since enacting the “Support Ordinance for Social Economy Vitalization” in 2019, the Office of Education has been supporting social economy enterprises and holding annual public procurement briefings and value-sharing markets to promote them. Last year, the Office purchased goods worth 27.9 billion KRW from social economy enterprises, reaching 7.12% of total purchases?nearly double the 4% target set by ordinance.
The Ulsan Office of Education operates the “Superintendent Meets with Citizens” program every month, where the superintendent directly meets with citizens to explain Ulsan’s education policies and communicate on various educational issues. Those wishing to participate can fill out an application form on the Office of Education website and submit it via email.
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