Imgok Elementary Designated as First "Character Education Research School"
Fostering Character Through Play, Experiential Learning, and Community Collaboration
New Dedicated Department Established... Overseeing Violence Prevention and Psychological Support
On October 9, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced that it is strengthening character education for students in collaboration with schools, families, and the local community. The office designated Imgok Elementary School as Gwangju's first "Character Education Research School" and established the Department of Character and Life Education to provide systematic support.
Students are engaging in gardening activities in the school vegetable garden. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education
In March, the city education office designated Imgok Elementary School as a Character Education Research School. This research school serves as an educational model where schools, families, and the local community work together to foster students' proper character development. The goal is to help students experience and internalize character virtues through play, classes, family-linked activities, and community involvement, supporting their healthy growth.
Imgok Elementary School has created a value- and virtue-centered classroom environment and established a vegetable garden to nurture ecological sensitivity. The school also set up the "Dureondureon Community Zone," featuring murals, books, and sofas. With "Ja (Confidence)·Shin (Excitement)·Gam (Empathy) UP!" as its core values, the school plans to run a variety of programs through the end of 2026.
Students are communicating with each other through activities such as the "Six Siblings Program" and "Peer Counseling," while teachers are enhancing their capabilities through research clubs and character education consulting. Programs in partnership with the local community are also underway. Notable examples include "I Am a Wise Consumer!"-a financial literacy program on allowance management and saving in cooperation with NongHyup; "Strong Body, Strong Mind" with the Gwangju Taekwondo Association; "Let’s Make It Useful" with the Gwangju Ceramic Culture Center; dance and cooking experiences with Dream Job School; volunteer work at senior centers; and "Growing the Garden, Opening My Heart" with the Agricultural Technology Center.
Students are participating in career experience activities. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education
The city education office is expanding support so that students can learn the values of respect and consideration and develop a warm character. To this end, on July 1, the main office established the Department of Character and Life Education. This department consists of four teams: the Character and Life Education Team, the Mind and Social-Emotional Team, the Teacher Rights Protection and On-Site Support Team, and the Alternative Education Team. In addition to character education, the department oversees school violence prevention, mental health, and psychological and emotional counseling.
An official from the city education office stated, "We will support students so that they can naturally develop their character through the expansion of on-site school programs and the control tower role of the Department of Character and Life Education at the main office."
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