Schools Suffering from Military Airport Noise... "Support Measures Needed"

Discussion on Support Measures for Schools Affected by Military Noise
Plans to Guarantee Students' Right to Learn and Right to Health
Promotion of Soundproof Facility Installation and System Improvement Consultative Body

The Special Committee on the Relocation of Military Airports and Countermeasures for Noise Damage of the Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju discussed support measures for local schools suffering from military noise.

According to the Gwangsan District Council on April 24, more than 20 people, including committee members, officials from the Western Education Support Office, and Gwangsan District Office, attended a meeting the previous day to explore measures to protect students' right to learn and right to health.

The Gwangsan District Council of Gwangju is holding a meeting to discuss support measures for schools affected by military noise. Provided by Gwangsan District Council

Six schools in Gwangsan District?Songjeongdong Elementary School, Dosan Elementary School, Songjeong Elementary School, Songgwang Middle School, Software Meister High School, and Automation Equipment Meister High School?are located near the military airport and are suffering severe noise damage. However, the current Military Noise Compensation Act only stipulates compensation for residents, excluding educational institutions from support.

Participants pointed out the need for environmental improvements such as the installation of soundproofing facilities, as well as measures to prevent learning loss and support students' health. They also agreed on the need to form a consultative body involving Gwangsan District, the military, the education office, parents, and experts to continue ongoing discussions.

Gong Byungcheol, chair of the special committee, said, "Schools are in a blind spot when it comes to military noise damage," and added, "We will work to come up with practical measures so that students can fully focus on their studies."