전남대학교의 사회공헌활동
In a modern knowledge-based society, it is emphasized that universities should contribute to the development of neighboring communities and build good relations with them. Many people have recently associated universities with social responsibility for building better communities. With performing a variety of community engagement activities, Chonnam National University (CNU) strives to fulfill its social role by its motto, truth, creativity and service. In this article, the Chonnam Tribune examines CNU members’ social contribution activities in the fields of education programs, voluntary services, and university facilities.
Education Program
As a higher education institution, CNU has played a central role in the local community by organizing experts’ extension lectures and a variety of educational programs. They are regularly provided for students and local residents to enhance their knowledge.
Yongbong Forum is the largest scale of the lectures, held six times a year by the Office of Planning. This semester, the former Unification Minister Kim Ha-jung delivered a lecture about China on April 17th, and Choi Jae-seong, member of the National Assembly gave a lecture on new leadership in the era of digital convergence on May 10th. Focus on Science, another monthly lecture series, offers opportunities to learn about various scientific subjects and science-related human affairs by nationally renowned scholars. Kim Chang-sub (Professor, Dept. of Physics) said, “It gives opportunities for students, faculty and staff members to listen to the contemporary trend of the scientific development and its influence on our real life.”
The Lifelong Education Center operates diverse classes for residents of different ages. According to the center, over 2500 people are taking classes this semester. The Museum near the East Gate is running experiential learning programs including pottery making, traditional Korean games and Korean genre painting puzzle making. It also has organized cultural lectures since 1996 and many residents come to the classes every Wednesday. After the lecture, they can enjoy a movie related to the lecture. Since 1998, the Science Education Center for the Gifted has given extracurricular classes for selected students of elementary and middle schools located in Gwangju and Jeollanamdo region. The center helps talented young students develop their ability and potential by optimizing the learning environment and eventually aims to breed the talented leaders who will lead cutting-edge science of the 21st century.
Voluntary Community Service
CNU members have been voluntarily performing community services in various ways. The Legal Clinic Center of the Law School has consulted people who are experiencing difficulty and has given them legal advice for free. “Faculty of the Law School take about 10 cases in charge per month and do their best to solve the problems of CNUians and local residents”, said Choi Hwan-joo (Professor, Law school), executive director of the center. CNU also has several volunteer organizations of its faculty and staff members. Organized in 2003 and having around 230 members, One Step Volunteer has granted scholarships for needy students and supported the neighbors in need every year in order to make our community a better place. Yongbong Technical Voluntary Service composed of public officials in technical positions regularly visits social welfare facilities and provides technical service. Female Professors Association has been volunteering for local welfare facilities like the Gwangju Temporary Shelter for Infants.
CNU opens a one credit course called ‘University and Service for Community’ that students learn cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to use fire extinguishers, conduct a campaign for preventing spring forest fires at Mudeung Mountain and prohibiting insensitivity of safety. One of the class members, Kim Dae-sol (Junior, Major of Systems Biology) said, “University students should do their best for developing the community with responsibility and obligation as intellectuals.” Also the university organized CNU Social Volunteer Corps on April 5th this year in order to help its students promote a sense of community and to provide opportunities to contribute to local society.
Every spring and summer, CNUians participate in voluntary work for rural communities. About 1000 students from 30 departments volunteered in six regions from May 2nd to 5th. “The volunteer activity for rural communities is a good opportunity not only to experience farm work but also to communicate with elders in rural communities” said Choi Myung-soo (Senior, School of Business Administration), member of University Education Committee. One of the volunteers in Naju, Lee Dong-hyun (Freshman, School of Business Administration) said that it was a special experience to learn about the history of May 18 Gwangju Uprising from experienced seniors in the volunteering. CNU has 10 volunteer clubs in 2013 according to the Club Association. Among them, Heemang Night School in which 18 CNU students volunteer as teachers for local citizens who want to study Hangeul and prepare for qualification exams. "When new students visit this night school, I feel a great sense of satisfaction to volunteer for them,” said Kim Tae-kyun (Sophomore, Major of Biological Sciences).
University Facilities
CNU campus is opened for every citizen as a place for cultural activities. Local residents can use facilities on campus freely such as the CNU Libraries, the Sports Center and the Main Stadium. First, every resident can use the Main Library and receive an ID card to borrow books. This year, Gwangju citizens can also take part in a community reading project with the title of ‘Gwangju Reads and talks’ the participants can discuss books with others and get close with them. The library has a plan to offer an opportunity for the residents to meet and talk with an invited author once or twice a year.
The Sports Center contributes to the healthy life of the local community. After it was remodeled in 2006, the new sport center opened for the whole community as ‘Sports for All’. The center provides various sports programs with small fees not only for university students and officials, but for the local residents. Also, every day, sport grounds are full of citizens and students who do exercise and take a walk. In 2008, CNU’s newly remodeled sports grounds and tennis court, especially the Main Stadium changed into the current grass fields. A citizen said, “I often spend my night time taking a walk around the main stadium. It is really good to have a university sports ground near the house.”
Social Responsibility to Realize a Better Future
Universities are not simply higher educational institutions any more. Their social contribution activities have influenced community development and regional growth. Therefore, it is natural that universities are expected to actively contribute to our community and to be more attentive to its needs. CNU, as was stated above, has carried out those activities in a variety of fields. The contribution will enhance the position of CNU as a hub university in our region and make its members have pride for being CNUians. However, most activities are usually done independently of each organization at the university, which needs to develop an integrated management system of community engagement activities. Then, it has to improve current operating programs and community service and develop new ones for the locals in a sustainable way. It is time to think over the effective integrated system and framework for our university and local community, and furthermore the future of the country.
By Son Hyun-jee, Pyun Ja-seong, Student Editors
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