In recent years many have seen problems with a lack of human
qualities among the students: responsibility, honesty, courage, respect
for others, and the many other virtues necessary to live well with
others. They wanted to do something about the situation and we have a
law that now is asking all the teachers in elementary, middle and high
school to prepare students with programs that will help develop this
aspect of their education. Peace Column in the Catholic Peace Weekly, brings
the issue to the attention of the readers. The proposal is hoping that all of society will benefit, but it is mainly an issue with the teachers in the formation of students in our primary and secondary schools. Programs are now only at the beginning stages, for the details and budgets have not been made and the programs will not be completed until the end of the year.
In the beginning it was proposed that the teachers have 15 hours or more of study and training in preparation, but because of strong opposition it was decrease to 4 hours. The program is required. Concern for the building of character was missing in the past and efforts are made by law to remedy the situation. In order not to give the semblance of force they have added the word 'encouragement' to the name of the law.
One educator made it clear that in his judgment the law was a throw back to another age-- for the government to intrude in a persons' basic and personal rights. Schools need to be interested in the human formation of the students but this is not the government's task. Enacting a law for this purpose leaves him with a bitter taste.
In the first article of the law we are told of the need to develop the internal in a correct and healthy
fashion, and in order to relate with others, society and with the environment, character and human qualities have to be nurtured in the educational programs.
A movement that is active among the different religions of Korea is to live according to one's values. This is similar to what is being attempted with the school children. He concludes the article hoping both programs find an audience that is open and willing to work for a change.
