On the afternoon of the 7th at 2:50 PM, Gyeongbuk Superintendent of Education Lim Jong-sik, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Joo-ho, visited Uiseong Girls' High School, located in the area affected by the Uiseong wildfire. They inspected the damage to the school and checked the current status of psychological stabilization programs being operated for affected students.
This visit was organized to directly assess the schools and students impacted by the large-scale wildfires spreading in the Gyeongbuk region and to seek educational and emotional support measures needed in the future.
At the site, Superintendent Lim plans to closely observe the activities of Wee Center professionals and mental health experts who are currently counseling students experiencing psychological difficulties. He will also report to Deputy Prime Minister Lee on the swift disaster psychological support measures implemented by the Gyeongbuk Office of Education.
During the visit, Superintendent Lim stated, "Many students have lost not only their schools but also their homes, losing the foundation of their daily lives," and emphasized, "Comprehensive support for the psychological recovery of students and staff, beyond just facility restoration, is urgently needed." He added, "While the Gyeongbuk Office of Education will do its utmost, continuous and substantial administrative and financial support from the Ministry of Education is absolutely necessary," which he plans to formally request from the Ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Joo-ho is expected to say, "First, I would like to express my deepest condolences to everyone affected by the recent wildfire in Gyeongbuk. We will spare no effort to support students, staff, and all school members experiencing psychological difficulties so that they can swiftly return to their daily routines," and, "We will actively support psychological stabilization education not only for this region but for all schools affected by wildfires."
Meanwhile, at Uiseong Girls' High School, the Wee Center and mental health professionals are currently collaborating to provide psychological assessments, counseling, and group programs. The Gyeongbuk Office of Education plans to continue working closely with the Ministry of Education and local governments to ensure that every student can continue their studies in a safe and stable environment.
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