Poor performances in school are one of the serious problems North Korean teenagers are experiencing in schools. North Korea and South Korea have different educational systems; especially the focus of curriculums and the learning procedures are so different in that South Korea studies are based on learning by rote. In order to promote North Korean teenagers, the policy to support the studying of them has been enacted. However, the policy is mainly about thrusting them in the South Korean education system, urging them to absorb the knowledge as much as possible. Instead of forcing them to transform to perfect South Korea minded students, the teachers of schools and the educational department should consider other supplementary methods to encourage North Korean teenagers to get interests in learning and experiencing diverse activities such as club in schools.
Other than the poor performances, North Korean teenagers are in conflicts with peers in school and daily lives. The reasons for the conflicts are the different language usage, values and cultures. The sixteen year old North Korean defector, living in Seoul, once mentioned in the interview that “I couldn’t face the peers in school because I was so afraid of every new thing. Also, I couldn’t understand some slang that was going around the classroom most of the time.” She also said, “It’s been five years since I came to Korea, and I still don’t know how I should play with South Korean teenagers.” Referring from her statement, more chances that can develop harmonious relationship with the South and North teenagers.
The perfect example of this idea is the joint project both North and South Korean teenagers were involved. They made the manual of cell phones for North Korean defectors. The aim of this project was to produce a great manual that can help the North Koreans who have no one to give some instructions. On the other hand, the main purpose was to provide an official opportunity to combine with each other. The South Korean participants replied to the questions about this project and he said that this project was a great opportunity to get to understand North Koreans and produce a beneficial manual for North Koreans. In short, these kinds of project satisfied the mutual interests. These kinds of government driven or school-supporting projects should be enlarged.
Other than the performance and isolation problems, more problems exist. For instance, North Korean teenagers’ lacking information about Korean education and entering school eventually result in difficulties to expand their dreams and to get a job. From serious problems to trivial problems, the cultural problems occur due to the diverse experience in various political and cultural systems. Toward the concerns appearing to North Korean teens, not only the government, teachers and schools are responsible for setting other devices or projecting other things for both North and South Koreans. Furthermore, parents of both Koreas and the students themselves should know and care for each other. It is also the responsibility of elders that can give advices to students.
Teenagers are called to be the “future” of the country. Within few years, they take part in society and counterpart with the new world. However, the teen period would spoil the entire life unless they are supported or be cared by others. North Korean teens are suffering from lack of care and backing. North Korean defectors are people we meet just before we meet with North Koreans. No matter if the two Koreas reunify or not, the harmony with North Korean defectors and South Koreans would contribute to another peace. North Korean defectors would provide information to our society and it will be great chances to understand the North Korean society. Their experiences that we couldn’t access are precious resources for the unification of two Koreas. Particularly, the reunion of North and South Korean teenagers implies a better society with less conflicts and constraints.
