Seoul, September 3: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a teachers’ conference on Wednesday, praising educators for their crucial role in shaping the next generation. He referred to teachers as ‘patriots’ standing at the forefront of preparing the nation’s future.
According to Yonhap, citing North Korea’s KCNA news agency, the 15th National Teachers’ Conference was held in the capital, Pyongyang. Kim addressed the opening session, marking the first teachers’ conference since February 2019.
Kim stated that education is the most important government responsibility, which should not lag behind any other sector. He emphasized the need to grant greater respect to those involved in education.
He noted significant changes in North Korea’s education system, curriculum, and academic environment over the past few years, labeling these changes a form of ‘revolution’ in education.
During the conference, North Korean Prime Minister Pak Thae-song reviewed the progress and shortcomings in the education sector over the past seven years. He stressed the importance of addressing existing gaps in education and reducing disparities between urban and rural areas.
This goal was also highlighted during the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea’s ninth congress in February.
According to North Korea’s state newspaper Rodong Sinmun, since the last teachers’ conference, approximately 4,320 schools and kindergartens have been rebuilt or constructed across the country.
Additionally, a credit-based education system has been implemented in major universities, including Kim Il-sung University. Reforms related to digital and management systems are also underway to unify education management.
Kim Jong-un commended members of the Chongryon organization, representing the Korean community in Japan, for their role in providing national education to youth while living abroad.
His emphasis on education comes at a time when North Korea has been consistently focused on linking its younger generation to state ideology and national goals.
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