Jeonnam Student Education Allowance, Usage Proposed through 'Gongsaeng Economy Class'

Planning Allowances Independently
and Growing into Proactive Economic Agents

The Jeonnam Office of Education has launched the "Symbiotic Economy Classroom" to expand the student education allowance beyond simple financial support, providing opportunities for self-directed learning and career exploration.

The first class, held on the 24th at Hampyeong Sonbul Elementary School, was designed to teach students wise ways to use the education allowance and the basics of asset management. This economy classroom offers various experiential activities and journaling programs so that students can concretely plan their dreams and goals and create meaningful experiences through the allowance.

Lee Younggyo, a teacher at Samhoseo Elementary School who led the class, explained, "I wanted students to experience the value of the allowance and learn how to contribute to the local economy by directly writing their 'Dream Realization Symbiosis Card Journal' and 'Growth Diary' as they design their own futures." In particular, this class encouraged students to experience the 'value of symbiosis' by exploring ways to contribute to the local economy, such as purchasing books at local bookstores or paying tuition for local academies.

One student shared, "At first, I was unsure how to use the allowance, but as I filled out the journal and planned to buy books and participate in local activities, it became much clearer." Another student expressed anticipation, saying, "If I learn economic concepts from a young age, I think I will be able to manage money more rationally in the future." So far, a total of 74 sessions of the Symbiotic Economy Classroom have been registered, and the program is expected to expand further.

Shim Chisuk, Director of Educational Autonomy, stated, "We will continue to discover examples of student growth to develop systematic economic education content and support more students in planning their allowances independently and growing into proactive economic agents."

Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Office of Education plans to discover various educational uses for the student education allowance and operate programs that expand students' creative experiences and learning opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of the policy.