Graduated From Elementary School, Four Grandmothers From South Korea Join Special Graduation

Four grandmothers who managed to finish elementary school and attended graduation (Sourcewa of Goonseo Elementary School)

JAKARTA - Four elderly women attended a special graduation which was held at the Goonseo Elementary School, Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, South Korea on Thursday with two other graduates.

Kim Soon-dook (81), Jang Hwa-nyeo (77), Park Hyang-im (76) and Lee Sun-sook (75), received their diplomas after completing six years of basic education, realizing their lifelong dreams after losing that opportunity in their youth.

Their faces filled with smiles as they celebrated the milestone with younger classmates and supportive teachers.

The graduates thanked Kim Min-keon, a 13-year-old student who guided and supported them throughout their education.

Acting as their mentor and friend, Kim made sure they had everything they needed for the class and gave the four grandmothers a boost.

Kim Soon-dook, the oldest among the four, shared his desire to learn to grow after raising their children, send them to college and see them get married. After channeling their desires that have not been fulfilled for education by supporting their children, he made sure they graduated from college and got married.

Only then did he feel a deep longing to pursue his own learning. At first, he was worried that he would not be able to adapt to classmates who were young enough to become his grandchildren. However, he soon formed close ties such as family with them, receiving their support and attention, which helped him pass successfully.

Their classroom teacher, Park Jeong-jo, praised the four elderly students as role models, noting they were rarely absent from school, except for ancestral ceremonies.

"They work harder than younger students in subjects such as physical education, computer skills, English, learning based on experience and even school visits," Park said, quoted by The Korea Times on January 10.

The women registered at the school after their families asked about admissions. With the number of students declining, the school welcomed them warmly. Although six elderly women initially joined, two people had to drop out of school due to health problems.

Kim Soon-dook, who wants to continue his education, has now registered at Gunam Middle School.

"Thanks to the students and teachers who have taught me like I am their grandson, I can finish school without much difficulty," said Kim.

"Although I tend to forget more things at my age and even attend additional classes, I still want to learn a lot. I am determined to continue studying in high school," he added.

While his son, Chung Won-sik, said, "As a parent, I really admire my mother for overcoming various challenges and standing proud to be her graduation star. She truly realized the saying, 'Learn not to know age,' and I wish her all the best when she started a new chapter in her life."