"From Islands to Democracy"... Jeonnam Education, Journey with People and Community

June Issue of "Dreaming the Future Together" Published by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education announced on the 25th that it has published the June issue of its representative newsletter, "Dreaming the Future Together."

Now in its sixth year, this monthly publication goes beyond simply providing educational information. It serves as a platform encompassing stories from educational sites, the community, and local history. Created collaboratively by the Office of Education, schools, and the local community, this publication is available free of charge to anyone and is also offered as an e-book.

This issue places a particular focus on "people." It highlights the diverse members of the educational community across Jeonnam who are striving for better education, and honestly portrays the realities and challenges they face.

The representative newsletter of Jeonnam Education, "Dreaming the Future Together," has published its June issue featuring stories from the educational community. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

The "Solid Education" section draws attention to Superintendent Kim Daejung's visit to the Jodo Archipelago in Jindo. As part of a field-oriented policy initiative called "Public Transportation (Gyotong)," Superintendent Kim visited Jodo Elementary School, Jodo Elementary School Geocha Branch, and Jodo Middle and High School in person. At Jodo Elementary, there was a request to expand sports education; at the Geocha Branch, issues regarding student transportation convenience were discussed; and at Jodo Middle and High School, improvements to smart classrooms, science labs, and teacher staffing were addressed.

Superintendent Kim emphasized, "The quality of education should not be limited by geographical constraints such as being on an island," and stressed that "practical support measures will be prepared."

Another feature introduces the dedicated attorneys at the "Education Activity Protection Center," which has been newly expanded and reorganized by the Provincial Office of Education this year. The center has shifted its focus from teacher healing to the comprehensive protection of educational activities. The dedicated attorneys provide legal assistance in cases of educational activity violations, while professional counselors support the psychological recovery of affected teachers. This issue includes their perspectives on the protection of educational activities, common misunderstandings, and key points to consider when violations occur.

The "Reading Jeonnam - Righteousness" section documents the struggles of Mokpo youth during the June Struggle of 1987. It follows the stories of Kang Sangcheol (24) and Park Taeyoung (21), who self-immolated while demanding constitutional amendments for direct presidential elections and the truth about the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, as well as the locations of the struggle, such as Yeonhui Supermarket (a filming site for the movie "1987"), Mokpo Station Square, and the streets in front of local churches. Notably, the record that 400,000 people gathered in Jeonnam alone during the National Peace March on June 26, 1987, confirms that the historical resistance in Gwangju and Jeonnam was a driving force for democratization nationwide.

The "Exciting Field" section features the "Thursday Humanities Meeting" at Buyeong Girls' High School in Yeosu. In April, students held a Sewol Ferry reading session, and in May, they watched a film about the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and attended a history class. Participating students shared that they "came to understand the meaning of the phrase 'the past saves the present'" and that "history, which once felt distant, now feels closer." Teacher Moon Jinyoung expressed hope that "students will reflect on how to live as decent people within the values of history."

The "Sweet Family" section tells the story of a village coming together to help the family of a Boknae Elementary School student whose house was completely destroyed by fire. Village residents, administrative agencies, and the school all participated in the recovery efforts, and this event has also given momentum to the "Jeonnam Rural Boarding School" initiative.

The "Reading Jeonnam - Forest" section covers the Zelkova forest in Jeonil-ri, Boseong County. This forest, the only one in the country composed solely of Zelkova trees, has served as a windbreak and spiritual center for the village since the Imjin War. This is why it has been designated as a natural monument.

In addition, the issue is filled with a variety of educational content, including the "A Page from My Time" section, news from the Jeonnam Provincial Council, activities of institutions and schools under the Office of Education, and materials supporting the high school credit system. An official from the Provincial Office of Education stated, "Education is ultimately about people," and added, "Through field- and people-centered content, we aim to find the path forward for Jeonnam education together."