Gyeonggi Province Selects 14 New Lifelong Learning Village Communities, Including Gwanggyo Experiential Learning Village

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hoon Reporter] Gyeonggi Province has newly selected 14 villages as recipients of the 'Lifelong Learning Village Community Support Project' to create a virtuous cycle of 'learning-employment-culture' through fostering village activists including resident instructors and operating customized learning programs for each village.

The province conducted recruitment for regions hoping to establish lifelong learning village communities from January 13 to 28, and as a result selected Gwanggyo Experiential Learning Village in Suwon, Daramsan Village School in Hwaseong, Yunsseul Nuri Village and Yeoul Naru Mulbich Village in Hanam, Mojeongli Picture Book Planting Village in Icheon, Samjeong Village and Ayang LH 1st Complex in Anseong, Dori Stone Village and Hwahyeon 5th Village in Pocheon, Dalssitneun Village in Gangsan-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Bogwang Clear Nuri Learning Village in Yeoju, Eosujung Lifelong Learning Village in Dongducheon, Byeolbara Village in Gapyeong-gun, and Koaru Lifelong Learning Village in Yeoncheon-gun.

The selection was conducted through deliberation by a review committee composed of experts in lifelong education and village communities, as well as practical officials. Various aspects were considered in reviewing the business plans submitted by each village, including the necessity of village formation, originality, examination of the implementing organization's business foundation, and underserved areas of lifelong education.

A total of 93 million won per village will be provided to the newly established lifelong learning village communities over the next 5 years, with the funds to be used for village activist training and resident-customized learning program operation costs including non-face-to-face programs.

In addition to the 14 new villages, Gyeonggi Province will continue to support the existing 79 lifelong learning villages, and from next year plans to ensure better operation of lifelong learning village communities through strengthened re-designation village evaluation indicators and inspections.

Park Jun-ho, Director of the Lifelong Education Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "We will make greater efforts to establish a learning culture and strengthen community spirit and residents' knowledge and talent capabilities through customized programs within the newly established lifelong learning village communities."