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The Like Project and Let's Get to Know Korea Making History in Paraguayan Education
The project "Like… and let's get to know Korea! Join the Korea Adventure!" is an initiative that has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the field of education in Paraguay. Winner of a project competition in April 2021, as part of the “Understanding Korea” program of the Academy of Korean Studies of the Republic of Korea, whose main objective is to disseminate Korean culture, giving the possibility to professionals from different countries of deepen, know and experience the development process of a country through culture. One of the most important achievements promoted by the project, without a doubt, is the incorporation of the teaching of the Korean language into the national curriculum starting in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country's educational history. The genesis of this proposal dates back to an enriching experience lived in South Korea in 2019, where a group of Paraguayan education professionals had the opportunity to immerse themselves in an ancient culture, learn about its history, traditions and the lifestyle of its people.
The team's involvement in the development of this project had as its main objective to share with students, teachers and directors of educational institutions the richness of Korean culture, at a time when interest in this country, although growing, was still limited. Despite the presence of Korean communities in Paraguay for almost six decades, there were barriers that hindered a deep understanding of their culture and lifestyle. The "Understanding Korea" program, developed by the Center for International Affairs of the Academy of Korean Studies, offered a valuable platform to unite two distant but connected cultures, facilitating cultural and educational exchange.
Since its inception, the "Like... and let's get to know Korea!" project has sparked great interest in Korean culture among Paraguayan children and young people, who have been enthusiastic about learning about its history and language. The project's activities were carried out mainly in the Central department, where a notable motivation was observed among students to delve deeper into the Korean language and its traditions. This interest turned out to be so significant that it led to a collaboration with the Korean Educational Center in Paraguay, which was actively involved in the project's activities since its inception in 2021, permanently accompanying the development of the activities and with whom we established great fellowship. The culmination of this joint effort was the presentation of a proposal to the Ministry of Education and Science of Paraguay to incorporate the Korean language in the Eduardo Luis Irrazabal Mutti Elementary School No. 3788 in the city of Luque. This school became the first public institution to offer Korean language teaching, a historic event that sets a precedent for future educational initiatives in the country. The results of this experience have exceeded expectations, with students showing a strong desire to learn the language and a growing appreciation for Korean culture.
The continued support of the Ministry of Education and Science has been instrumental, and the recent Resolution No. 883, enacted on June 6, 2024, officially establishes the Korean language curriculum design from preschool to the third year of secondary education in Paraguay. This step not only represents a significant advance in the country's education, but also opens up new opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges between Paraguay and South Korea, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between both nations.
The "Like... and let's get to know Korea!" project has not only transformed the classroom of public schools in Paraguay, but has also sown the seeds of a deeper and more respectful relationship between Paraguayan and Korean cultures. With this initiative, it is hoped that teaching the Korean language in the national curriculum will not only enrich the education of Paraguayan youth, but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between both cultures, contributing to a future of intercultural understanding in an increasingly globalized world.
In conclusion, the success of this project is a testament to the power of education as a bridge between cultures. As we move forward on this path, it is critical that we continue to promote empathy, knowledge, and collaboration among future generations, ensuring that the ties between Paraguay and South Korea continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.
The team's involvement in the development of this project had as its main objective to share with students, teachers and directors of educational institutions the richness of Korean culture, at a time when interest in this country, although growing, was still limited. Despite the presence of Korean communities in Paraguay for almost six decades, there were barriers that hindered a deep understanding of their culture and lifestyle. The "Understanding Korea" program, developed by the Center for International Affairs of the Academy of Korean Studies, offered a valuable platform to unite two distant but connected cultures, facilitating cultural and educational exchange.
Since its inception, the "Like... and let's get to know Korea!" project has sparked great interest in Korean culture among Paraguayan children and young people, who have been enthusiastic about learning about its history and language. The project's activities were carried out mainly in the Central department, where a notable motivation was observed among students to delve deeper into the Korean language and its traditions. This interest turned out to be so significant that it led to a collaboration with the Korean Educational Center in Paraguay, which was actively involved in the project's activities since its inception in 2021, permanently accompanying the development of the activities and with whom we established great fellowship. The culmination of this joint effort was the presentation of a proposal to the Ministry of Education and Science of Paraguay to incorporate the Korean language in the Eduardo Luis Irrazabal Mutti Elementary School No. 3788 in the city of Luque. This school became the first public institution to offer Korean language teaching, a historic event that sets a precedent for future educational initiatives in the country. The results of this experience have exceeded expectations, with students showing a strong desire to learn the language and a growing appreciation for Korean culture.
The continued support of the Ministry of Education and Science has been instrumental, and the recent Resolution No. 883, enacted on June 6, 2024, officially establishes the Korean language curriculum design from preschool to the third year of secondary education in Paraguay. This step not only represents a significant advance in the country's education, but also opens up new opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges between Paraguay and South Korea, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between both nations.
The "Like... and let's get to know Korea!" project has not only transformed the classroom of public schools in Paraguay, but has also sown the seeds of a deeper and more respectful relationship between Paraguayan and Korean cultures. With this initiative, it is hoped that teaching the Korean language in the national curriculum will not only enrich the education of Paraguayan youth, but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between both cultures, contributing to a future of intercultural understanding in an increasingly globalized world.
In conclusion, the success of this project is a testament to the power of education as a bridge between cultures. As we move forward on this path, it is critical that we continue to promote empathy, knowledge, and collaboration among future generations, ensuring that the ties between Paraguay and South Korea continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.
