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SGI News: Global activities for peace, education and culture

Soka Kindergarten Opens in South Korea

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[Photos ©Seikyo Shimbun]

Soka Happiness Kindergarten, founded by SGI President Ikeda, opened in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, on March 15. The first 134 pupils, their parents and guests attended the opening ceremony together with the kindergarten's principal Bark Seung-ha and staff. This is the sixth Soka kindergarten established to date, following schools in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Brazil.

In a message for the opening, Mr. Ikeda expressed his hopes that the children will develop into happy, talented individuals who in the future will contribute to the development of society, referring to the student-centered Soka (value creation) pedagogy developed by educator and first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. This spirit is expressed in the kindergarten's motto, "Robust, Upright and Free."

Expressing his delight at the opening of a Soka kindergarten in South Korea, special guest Dongjak-gu Municipal Council President Kim Sung-hwan said he was inspired by the bright faces of the kindergarteners and their parents. Following a pledge by a representative teacher that the staff would devote themselves to the children's happiness, guests joined the children and teachers in singing the school song.

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Principal Bark Seung-ha remarked, "We have received many positive comments from parents, praising the facilities and how the children look forward to coming to school. The most important goal of education is the children's happiness. We really want to help them realize their limitless potential. We are so determined to make this kindergarten the best in the world."

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