First university entrants in school's history; 199 graduates since founding
An adult literacy school run by Hoengseong-gun in Gangwon Province has produced its first university-bound students — late bloomers whose determination has captured the attention of the local community.
Hoengseong Somangirum School, which offers state-accredited elementary and middle school equivalency programs for adults, opened in 2015 and has since graduated a total of 199 students — 124 from its elementary-level program and 75 from its middle school-level program.
This year, two graduates of the school are set to enter university after completing a high school curriculum, a milestone that has drawn widespread attention.
Their success stories — of older adults who missed out on formal education reclaiming their place in the world — carry a strong message of motivation and hope for society at large.
The school goes beyond basic reading and writing instruction, offering a wide range of programs including everyday literacy and digital literacy courses alongside its accredited elementary and middle school curricula, helping older adults reconnect with the world and rebuild confidence as active participants in their own lives.
One of the two prospective university students said that when first enrolling, even writing their own name felt daunting. "Thanks to the warm guidance of the teachers and the joy of learning, I was able to achieve my dream of going to university," the student said. "I came to feel firsthand that the moment you think it's too late is actually the earliest you can start. I hope others who are hesitating will take the leap without a second thought."
Hoengseong-gun County Chief Jang Sin-sang extended his congratulations to the two students. "I send my heartfelt congratulations and respect to the two who, despite difficult circumstances, achieved the remarkable goal of university admission through their passion for learning," Jang said. "We will continue to spare no effort in supporting adult literacy education so that any resident who missed the chance to learn can find a second opportunity and realize their dreams."
Hoengseong Somangirum School is an adult literacy institution that allows adults 18 and older to earn elementary and middle school equivalency credentials without sitting a qualification exam. The school accepts new adult learners on a rolling basis.
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