A Society Learning Step by Step Even Slowly... Geumcheon-gu Supports Emotional and Social Growth of Slow Learners

Discovering Slow Learners, Professional Counseling, Customized Programs, and Communication Space Operation
Operation of Slow Learner Support Center at Geumcheon Doksan Lifelong Learning Center

Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) announced that it is providing various support such as professional counseling, customized programs, and communication spaces for the emotional and social growth of slow learners.

Slow learners refer to individuals with cognitive abilities corresponding to an intelligence quotient (IQ) between 71 and 84, which is below average, and are considered to have borderline intelligence, situated between intellectually disabled persons (IQ 70 or below) and non-disabled individuals.

The district enacted the "Seoul Special City Geumcheon-gu Slow Learners Support Ordinance" in 2023 and will officially begin support by opening the Slow Learners Support Center in November this year.

The district identifies and selects slow learners and provides professional counseling and customized programs. For elementary, middle, and high school students or adolescents, the ‘BIF-S test’ is used, and for youth and adults, the ‘K-WAIS IV’ intelligence test is used to select eligible individuals.

Those confirmed as slow learners through testing receive professional psychological counseling as well as cognitive, art, and speech therapy counseling. Family counseling is also provided, allowing slow learners and their families to gain psychological stability and practical assistance through consultations with experts.

Age-specific customized programs for slow learners are also conducted. In the integrated arts program for elementary and middle school students, students can improve their social skills and cognitive abilities through various cultural and artistic education such as theater, music, and play.

In literacy classes for high school students, the basics of literacy are strengthened to help them develop problem-solving skills for daily life. Cooking classes and group activities for adults are also supported, enabling participants to build relationships, enjoy hobbies together, foster cooperation, and feel a sense of belonging.

The district is also preparing programs for families of slow learners. On December 7, at the ‘Daeseollem Slow Camp,’ programs such as education to understand slow learners, decorating paper houses, psychology through colors, and making cookie houses will be held for slow learners, their families, and the general public. Additionally, playground activities like e-sports and air archery will be operated.

The Slow Learners Support Center was opened on August 29 in collaboration with the Geumcheon Doksan Lifelong Learning Center. The center serves as a hub where slow learners communicate and support each other through self-help groups. Various events and educational programs are held, and it functions as a base space providing information on support programs.

On November 18, an outreach education session on understanding borderline intelligence was held for public institution workers at the Geumcheon Doksan Lifelong Learning Center. The Seoul Special City Borderline Intelligence Lifelong Education Support Center hosted the event, and Center Director Lee Gyo-bong lectured on understanding borderline intelligence and support measures for public institutions.

A district official stated, “Next year, we plan to train professional instructors to promote the healthy growth of slow learners,” adding, “Through professional instructor training, we will provide more systematic support.”

Yu Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, “We support slow learners by linking the three pillars of selection, counseling and program implementation, and communication group operation centered on the Slow Learners Support Center,” and added, “We will continue to spare no support necessary for slow learners in Geumcheon-gu.”