Gangwon Office of Education Confirms Academic Accreditation for 67 Adult Literacy Program Graduates

Overcoming Lifelong Barriers to Learning
Earning Elementary and Middle School Diplomas Through Literacy Education

On January 20, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education announced that it held a Literacy Education Review Committee meeting in the small conference room and granted academic accreditation to 67 individuals who completed the elementary and middle school courses of its literacy education program.

A view of Gangwon Provincial Office of Education.

Last year, the provincial office operated adult literacy education programs at a total of 14 institutions, including two affiliated education and culture centers, 10 local government-run institutions, and two private organizations, offering 25 elementary classes and 19 middle school classes.

This round of academic accreditation was granted to 40 participants in the elementary course and 27 in the middle school course across six designated literacy education institutions, including Donghae City. The oldest participant to receive academic accreditation in both the elementary and middle school courses was 86 years old.

The accredited adult literacy education program is operated under the 'Adult Learner Academic Accreditation System' for adults aged 18 and older who have low educational attainment or are illiterate. The system not only recognizes basic literacy skills such as reading and writing, but also aims to foster practical literacy and grants elementary and middle school diplomas.

The program aims to develop basic learning and life skills, problem-solving abilities, and, above all, a sense of community that respects others and encourages communication as democratic citizens.

Kim Yongmook, Director of Policy, stated, "I offer my deepest respect and applause to the seniors who did not give up on learning despite difficult circumstances and completed the program. We will continue to lower the barriers to literacy education and provide strong support so that more people can have access to educational opportunities."

Meanwhile, this year, a total of 13 institutions have been designated to operate accredited adult literacy education programs. Each institution will recruit learners starting in February and run elementary and middle school courses for one year beginning in March.