A Case Study on the Operation of Community School for Empowerment of Residents

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In this study, success stories of residents participating Village Making Projects as urban regeneration escaping from government leading are introduced by community school. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This study was performed in 3 steps through participating observation. At the first stage, activities of the residents were observed in the whole course of community school in Seogu Nambumin-2-dong, Busan and contents and materials of Village Making Project were collected. At the second stage they were reviewed and analyzed and at the third stage suggestions and improvement directions were. Findings: Resident empowerment of urban regeneration and Village Making is achieved through formation of mutual relationship, creation of shared value of space and cultivation of problem solving ability. In specific, first, co-operative relationship needs to be set forth between planners and participants (residents) in the introductory stage. Second, they share the problem awareness based on this relationship and conduct survey on resources based on strengths of residents. Third, they gain knowledge and skills through collective group activities for problem solving. Fourth, they derive alternative solutions to various goals and methods based on critical thinking. Fifth, they decide the optimal alternative through discussion and seek methods for embodiment of the selected alternative. With this concept, community school was held with university professors participating as planners and coordinators to encourage participation of residents in Village Making and empowerment. Improvements/Applications: Based on the above results, a community school has a potential in the application of a new practical method for the empowerment of residents.Keywords: Community School, Empowerment of Residents, Participating Observation, Resident Participating, Urban Regeneration, Village Making