A study on the image of school staff and faculty members responsible for schools and community development in a declining population-Focusing on Korean teachers

In rural areas of Japan and South Korea, where some small populations are situated, schools take on a great importance because they foster a sense of community and vibrancy in a village. The problems associated with these smaller schools is exacerbated by many factors, such as declining populations, as more and more people move from rural areas to larger towns and cities. Japan, in particular, is experiencing challenges with schools in the low upland areas closing. One of the big challenges with the closures of rural schools is how the children in these communities can access education. Professor Kimiko Ozaki has established a collaborative project with researchers in Japan and South Korea. Based within the Department of Human Science and Environment at the University of Hyogo in Japan, Ozaki has embarked on a study that aims to understand the future implications of the situation for Japan by looking at the current environment in South Korea.