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Over three days at the specially designed school, named Humart Humanity School, students will participate in a variety of programs offering opportunities to learn social skills such as interaction, cooperation and regard for others: characteristics that make up one’s humanity.
The foundation of the Humart Humanity School is part of four campaign projects to promote humanity education. Eleven different government and private organizations, including the JoongAng Ilbo and Ministry of Education and telecom firm KT, sponsor the program.
Humart, a portmanteau of humanity and smart, was first used by the JoongAng Ilbo on New Year’s Day 2013 when it proposed a master plan of action for the nation.
It marks the first time that public, private and civic groups as well as a media group join to contribute to the new type of educational campaign.
The campaign will consist of a relay of lectures given by figures who have won widespread social respect for their work and contributions to society.
“Everyone agrees how important it is to have an education on humanity but has so far stopped short of providing the right educational course for it,” said Representative Choung Byoung-gug of the Saenuri Party, who jointly heads the National Assembly’s humanity education forum. “Emboldened by participation by various social organizations, we will strive to build an education that is sustainable and responsible for young students.”
The Humart Humanity School, established through remodeling a closed school in the county, will invite four dozen elementary and middle school students for a three-day program every week starting in May.
The state-run rail operator Korail provides a ride to the school for students. During their ride to school, respected public figures will have a talk with students. Hyundai Motor has also agreed to donate a bus for the program.
“The joint team encompassing the National Assembly, government, company and media group has produced an important cornerstone for humanity education,” said distinguished Prof. Cho Peck at Dongguk University.
By Yoon Seok-man [jkkang2@joongang.co.kr]
