A nearby pet hospital recently donated two Golden retriever puppies for a psychotherapy program. (image: Dr. Kim Eun-Ji)
SEOUL, Apr. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Various Korean associations are providing programs to Danwon High School students to help treat posttraumatic stress among survivors of the Sewol tragedy.
A nearby pet hospital recently donated two Golden retriever puppies for a psychotherapy program, which has been conducted for over the past year at the school by Dr. Kim Eun-Ji. Dr. Kim’s pet therapy sessions have seen enthusiastic participation, with students even forming a group of their own to assign duties to take care of the puppies.
The school is currently not closing down any of the 10 classrooms devoid of students, and is planning to keep them open until the graduation of all surviving students, to give them time to say goodbye at their own pace. The 10 classrooms are now filled with letters, flowers and presents from students.
School authorities are also planning to provide extensive support programs for students such as mentoring and afterschool classes in order to help them keep track of their future plans.
Hwang Woo-Yea, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, visited Danwon High School on April 14 and talked to school staff about a long-term support program for students mentally affected by the tragedy.
By J. W. Choi (summerchoi@koreabizwire.com)
