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| Cho Hee-yeon, superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE), makes a three-finger salute to show his solidarity with citizens in Myanmar, during a press conference at the education office building in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of SMOE |
By Bahk Eun-ji
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) said it has developed educational material to help students here understand the current pro-democracy protests in Myanmar against the military coup there, and the situation its citizens face.
The material, titled "Waiting for Myanmar's Spring," are aimed at helping students discuss social issues on diversity, human rights and peace, and to foster a sense of respect and solidarity, according to the education office, Tuesday.
Composed of workbooks and instructor manuals, the material depicts Myanmar citizens' activities to resist military suppression, as well as discussing the cultures of the two countries.
It has been developed for several levels, for elementary to high school students.
Each school can choose among the material and use it for any lessons on world history and social affairs among others.
SMOE Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon also expressed his condolences to the Myanmar citizens who have died in the violent military suppression of the civil movement, showing his solidarity by making three-finger salute, a symbolic gesture against the military coup.
"I am also eagerly waiting for the spring of Myanmar. As global citizens showing solidarity with citizens in Myanmar, we have developed material so that students can discuss the issue and foster a sense of respect and participation," Cho said during a press conference.
"Through the classes, I hope students can recognize keeping my neighbors' peace is keeping mine, and understand the various factors of civic movements and learn how individual acts can have an influence on all of society," he said.
"It's up to each school whether to use the material and have discussions on the Myanmar issue, but I hope as many schools as possible will do so."
