Never Too Late: South Korean Night School Achieves Historic 100% Exam Pass Rate – A Beacon of Hope for Adult Learners
SUWON, SOUTH KOREA – In a heartwarming story that’s capturing attention across South Korea and beyond, Suwon Jeil Lifelong School has announced a remarkable achievement: a 100% pass rate for all students who recently took elementary, middle, and high school qualification exams. This breaking news highlights the power of perseverance and the growing importance of accessible education for all ages, a story primed for Google News indexing and SEO visibility.
From Factory Floors to Future College Dreams: The Students of Suwon Jeil
For 63 years, Suwon Jeil Lifelong School, originally founded as Suwon Jeil Night School, has been a sanctuary for those who, due to circumstance, missed out on formal education earlier in life. The school, supported by Suwon City and dedicated volunteer teachers, offers free classes from 7 PM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday. But this isn’t just about earning a certificate; it’s about reclaiming dreams.
Kim Jeong-ae, 63, embodies this spirit. Having left school after elementary school to support her family, she’s now preparing for the high school qualification exam, hoping to one day attend college. “My family supports me more than anyone else,” she shared, “I want to go to college, but I don’t know if I will succeed. But I want to try my best until the end.” Her story, and those of her classmates like Seok Young-sook (68), who found inspiration to learn English after struggling with a computer, are testaments to the enduring human desire for knowledge.
A Rare Gem: The Last Night School in Suwon
In a landscape where many night schools have closed their doors, Suwon Jeil Lifelong School stands as a vital resource. It’s currently the only night school operating in Suwon, serving a student body where half are in their 60s, and many others are in their 70s and 90s. The school’s success isn’t just a local triumph; it’s a powerful argument for investing in adult education programs.
The recent ‘2025 2nd Qualification Examination’ saw all 22 participating students – 1 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high school candidates – achieve passing grades. This unprecedented success is a direct result of the students’ dedication and the unwavering commitment of the 50 volunteer teachers who donate their time and expertise.
The Broader Picture: Lifelong Learning in a Rapidly Changing World
Principal Park Young-do emphasizes a critical point: while South Korea excels in traditional schooling, opportunities for adult education are often overlooked. “There are people outside of school who clearly need and want education,” he explains, highlighting the historical factors – the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War – that created a generation of educationally underprivileged individuals.
This story resonates far beyond Suwon. Globally, the need for lifelong learning is increasing as industries evolve and individuals seek to reskill and upskill throughout their careers. The World Economic Forum estimates that over 50% of all employees will require significant reskilling by 2025. Suwon Jeil Lifelong School offers a compelling model for addressing this challenge, demonstrating that accessible, supportive education can empower individuals at any stage of life.
The success of Suwon Jeil Lifelong School isn’t just a local news story; it’s a global inspiration, a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limit. It’s a powerful example of how communities can come together to provide second chances and unlock the potential within every individual. For those seeking to explore similar opportunities, resources like the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Adult Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/adult-ed/index.jhtml) and local community colleges can provide valuable information and support.
Reporting by Kim Tae-hee, Kyunghyang Shinmun.
