By Honorary Reporter Mylene Baybayan Jeon from Philippines

My family has lived in Korea for two years, and I've seen how demanding and competitive the education system is. The country not only focuses on academic education but also holistic development such as education in the Korean and English languages, arts, music, culture, social studies and well-being. 

Multicultural children like mine are also part of this famed education system. Jeollanam-do Office of Education and the Gwangyang Family and Multicultural Support Center in the province's city of Gwangyang have both provided extra support to such kids.

A standout educational program of Gwangyang is Dagaon, a school for gifted students featuring activities to help multicultural children like after-school programs in Korean, math education, robotics, music, arts and cultural experiences. 

After the Global Competency Enhancement Project for Students from Multicultural Families concluded, Gwangyang Office of Education Superintendent Lee Gye-jun said, "I hope that this training is an opportunity for students from multicultural families to raise their self-esteem and take a step forward as global talent. We will continue to support students from multicultural families to provide diverse experiences."

Starting with training on Oct. 14 in Gwangyang, the project saw 15 multicultural children go to the Philippines from Nov. 20-24. Ranging from fourth to sixth graders, the students attended the five-day trip to build global competency. Korean Philippine students, aka Kopinos, visited historical sites like Rizal Park and Manila Cathedral, Taal Island and the office of Korea Electric Power Corp. in Makati. They also visited schools in the Philippines to meet and befriend Philippine students, with the Kopinos also meeting their Philippine relatives.

After the project ended, the students grew more interested in the Philippines as being part of their roots and felt a sense of pride in being part of Korea's multicultural community.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.