North Korea Prioritizes Educational Equity Between Regions

North Korea is actively working to reduce educational disparities between its central and local regions, as well as between urban and rural areas, according to recent reports. This initiative, driven by policies set forth by the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), focuses on improving the quality of education in rural schools and bolstering the academic standards of local universities.

Faculty Development and Resource Allocation

The WPK’s strategy involves dispatching experienced educators from leading institutions – including Kim Il-sung University, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and the University of Science and Technology – to provide practical training and mentorship to faculty at local universities. This training is delivered both on-site and through video conferencing systems. A significant effort is being made to distribute teaching materials and the latest scientific and technological resources, with educators collaborating on the co-authorship of dozens of textbooks to enhance the curriculum.

Model Rural Schools and Teaching Standards

Songga Advanced Middle School in Gangdong-gun has been designated as a model for rural schools, showcasing best practices in education. Central to this effort is the establishment of clear standards for schools in rural and mountainous areas, with ongoing projects to create and disseminate successful models across provinces, cities, and counties.

Support from Central Teaching Institute

The Central Teaching Institute plays a crucial role in supporting education in rural and mountainous schools. Instructors from Pyongyang City, along with experienced teachers from urban schools, are regularly deployed to rural areas to improve teacher quality and student skills. These activities include lectures, model classes, the development of new teaching methods, and peer review sessions.

Advanced Middle School Curriculum

At the advanced middle school level, students benefit from a selective education system tailored to their individual aptitudes. Pyongyang City has also implemented a remote network for integrated curriculum days, connecting rural branch schools with central schools. Teachers from the city’s teacher training center and re-education schools have been dispatched to schools like Songga Advanced Middle School and Gobi Advanced Middle School in Kangdong-gun to further enhance teaching quality.

The Workers’ Party of Korea and Education

Founded in 1949, the Workers’ Party of Korea is the sole ruling party of North Korea. Kim Jong Un currently serves as the General Secretary of the WPK, with a Presidium that includes Kim Tok-hun, Choe Ryong-hae, Ri Pyong-chol, and Jo Yong-won. Workers’ Party of Korea