Introductory Course for the Sekendae Village Autonomy Department
Cultivating 26 "Village Activists" with Practical Community Skills
Seo-gu District in Gwangju (District Mayor Kim Ikang) has produced 26 "village activists" equipped with professional capabilities in community activities through the "Sekendae (The World's Largest University) Village Autonomy Department Introductory Course."
Kim Ikang, head of Gwangju Seo District Office, is taking a commemorative photo with the attendees after awarding certificates at the completion ceremony of the 'Sekeun-dae Village Autonomy (Specialized) Department Introductory Course' held at the Seo District Creative Nongseonggol Community Center on the 29th. Provided by Gwangju Seo District
According to Seo-gu District on July 30, this training was conducted over six sessions from July 18 to 29 for 29 participants, including members of organizations that took part in this year's community project contest.
The district designed the curriculum with a focus on practical experience for residents participating in village autonomy activities for the first time. Based on the village BI of 18 neighborhoods, the program emphasized strengthening residents' actual ability to plan, design, and execute community projects independently.
The lectures began with "Hot Stories of Villages: Communicating, Sharing, and Caring," led by Lee Hyekyung, head of the Village Autonomy Research Institute. The program also included practical sessions on ▲how to operate groups ▲establishing implementation plans ▲methods of documentation ▲activity know-how, as well as special lectures by senior activists, studies of best practices, and field trips.
Starting with this introductory course, the district plans to sequentially operate intermediate and advanced courses, including the Apartment School (August), Planner Course (September), and Village Media Educator Training (October).
Jung Eechun, head of the Seo-gu Village Community Support Center, said, "The Sekendae introductory course is a starting point that helps any resident easily approach village autonomy. We will continue to provide step-by-step and systematic support so that residents can recognize and address both big and small issues in their communities, and realize true resident-led autonomy through small, practical actions."
Meanwhile, six village activists who completed last year's advanced professional support training in the Village Autonomy Department are now working as members of the "Village·Apartment Community Professional Support Group," providing customized consulting and education to 109 village and apartment communities in the district.
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