Eight special-needs classrooms at elementary schools in Pohang, Gwangyang and Seoul benefit

Support to expand to middle schools next year

Renovations add floor heating, spaces for psychological stability and other tailored facilities

Inside the newly remodeled special-needs classroom at Jinsang Elementary School in Gwangyang [Courtesy of Posco]
Inside the newly remodeled special-needs classroom at Jinsang Elementary School in Gwangyang [Courtesy of Posco]

Posco said Wednesday that it has remodeled eight special-needs classrooms at elementary schools in Pohang, Gwangyang and Seoul.

The "Growing Together Classroom" remodeling support project targeted public elementary schools operating special-needs classes in the three cities where Posco has business sites. The initiative aims to help students with special education needs and their teachers live and learn in safer, more comfortable environments.

Posco accepted applications in April and selected the recipient schools after on-site inspections and interviews with special-needs class teachers in May and June. The screening considered factors such as how old each school building was based on its founding year and the number of students with special education needs. It also weighed the school's history of receiving government support and its future support plans.

As a result, eight schools were selected: Jangryang Elementary School in Pohang and Jinsang Elementary School in Gwangyang. The remaining six were in Seoul: Miyang Elementary School, Yeongsin Elementary School, Sangsin Elementary School, Sadang Elementary School, Susong Elementary School and Cheondong Elementary School. Posco carried out the remodeling during summer vacation so students could begin the second semester in their newly refurbished classrooms.

The remodeling incorporated students' living patterns and teachers' input. Workers reinforced floor cushioning and floor heating systems, and added colored wall cushions, spaces designed for psychological stability and storage areas to make the classrooms more comfortable for students.

The project at Jangryang Elementary School in Pohang carried a special connection. The special-needs class teacher at the school is a Jangryang alumnus who now teaches at their alma mater and applied for the program to benefit current students. In addition, the team leader and members of the company that carried out the renovation work were also Jangryang graduates. They took part in the renovation as a way of giving back to their juniors.

Jinsang Elementary School in Gwangyang, founded in 1919, has the longest history among the eight schools selected for the project and is the smallest, with only 32 students in total. With just one student in its special-needs class, the school had long struggled to receive government support, but the project allowed it to refurbish its classroom.

"This project focused on providing students with a safe and pleasant educational environment while also easing the administrative burden on teachers from the remodeling work," a Posco official said. "We will continue to provide practical support that reflects voices from the field."

The special-needs classroom remodeling project carries significance beyond simple facility upgrades, as it created an educational environment where students with special education needs can grow while being respected. Posco plans to expand the scope of its support from elementary schools this year to middle schools next year.

Meanwhile, Posco Group has recently stepped up efforts to recruit talent for quality job creation and sustainable growth. It has launched a triple-digit hiring drive for new employees in the second half, including personnel for future technologies such as AI and robotics.


likehyo85@heraldcorp.com