Expanding Learning Beyond the Classroom
Into the Local Community and Everyday Life
Nowon-gu in Seoul (Mayor Oh Seungrok) announced on November 7 that it is operating the "Nowon Future Education District" and promoting a variety of specialized educational support projects to establish a creative educational ecosystem involving schools, the local community, and families.
The core goal of the Nowon Future Education District is to expand learning beyond the classroom into the local community, supporting the holistic development of students. To achieve this, the district is running the "Village Teacher Program" and "Healing Experience Class," which support literary and experiential activities at 96 elementary, middle, high, and special schools in the area, providing students with a wide range of field learning opportunities.
Additionally, by linking the district's abundant educational infrastructure-including the Mathematics Culture Center, the Astronomy and Space Science Center, and the Seoul Science Center-creative experiential programs in science, arts, and the environment are being offered. The "Creative Experience Bus," designed to improve transportation convenience, has also received a positive response.
The district is also providing careful support in the areas of emotional and psychological well-being. In collaboration with the Nowon Youth Counseling and Welfare Center and the Out-of-School Youth Support Center "Kkumdream," programs are being conducted to support at-risk youth, restore peer relationships, and prevent school dropout, thereby creating an environment where children can grow up stably.
Cooperation with parents is also active. Through the "A Gem-like Day" parent participation program and parent club activities, a culture is being fostered in which families and schools work together to provide education.
Another feature is the integration of various local educational resources-such as the Bulamsan Ecological Learning Center, the Nowon Garden Support Center, and the Traditional Culture Experience Center-into school classes, enabling students to experience learning, care, and relaxation as part of their daily lives.
Furthermore, the district is supporting student autonomy through the "H·O·T (Heart Of Teenager) Student Council Activity Support" project and the "Seed Money Youth Club Support Project," helping students learn democratic decision-making and leadership, as well as engage in voluntary club activities. The "Youth Social Participation Project-Change Begins" and youth entrepreneurship projects are considered representative programs for developing initiative and problem-solving skills.
Seventeen elementary schools have professional counselors assigned to provide psychological counseling, emotional coaching, and peer relationship programs, supporting students' adaptation to school life.
Oh Seungrok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, "Nowon aims to be a true special education district, encompassing not only learning but also psychological stability and a variety of experiences. We will work together with schools, the community, and families to realize future education so that every child can grow up happily."
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