An IQ between 71 and 84 is classified as “borderline intelligence,” which lies between non-disabled individuals and those with intellectual disabilities. People with borderline intelligence often face challenges in interpersonal relationships and daily life due to cognitive and physical limitations. “Slow Learner” is another name for those of “borderline intelligence” suffering from these difficulties. It means that learning is just slower than non-disabled people, and social life can be improved by social support and effort. However, there is no device yet to protect them by law.

Pusan National University (PNU) provides educational facilities for Slow Learners, individuals who exist at the delicate intersection of being classified as disabled or non-disabled. “Mirinae Institute” of PNU is a three-year, non-degree institute for adult Slow Learners between the ages of 19 and 30, and was established in March 2024 for the first time in Korea. In October 2022, Mirinae Institute also became a foundation for practical training for graduate students in the PNU Dept. of Integrated Arts Therapy. The institute is currently being operated through the budget for planning research projects and subsidies for national university development projects.

“Channel PNU” visited Mirinae Institute in September and October, where lectures for the second semester were held. Currently, 10 instructors teach with Park Eun-Hwa (Prof. of Dance, PNU), the lead professor. Five students are learning 10 subjects three times a week from 10am to 4pm.

The subjects were mainly practical. Somatics education that emphasizes internal body perception and experience, culture and arts education, specialized education that experiences various fields for stress management and career selection, and liberal arts education for basic literacy. Prof. Park said, “We offer diverse educational programs to help students identify their unique strengths and receive appropriate support. In particular, we are focusing on providing hands-on education to help them find their own career path.” She added, “The purpose is to improve the quality of daily life, social life, and economic life through safe and creative expression activities.”

“Cooking class to express my heart through food” is one of the psychotherapy classes held at Mirinae Institute. Students in the class were passionate about their work, such as making a snowman by sprinkling salt on top of the colored paper. They crushed and shaped the chocolate pie into small pieces and connected it with a toothpick to express their own precious things. PNU Student A said, “I expressed my precious school friends. It contains my wish to have all my friends become one.” PNU Student B named the work “Happy Snowman” and said, “I want to have a happy heart like a snowman.”

Lee Jung-min, a lecturer at the Lifelong Education enter for Future and Citizen in Mirinae Institute, who was in charge of this class, said, “Through touching food ingredients directly, students can heal wounds from society and restore their self-esteem. Students who have taken out their minds through the class can form a positive self and learn how to build their future career design.”

The music therapy class, “Soma through Music,” was also full of enthusiasm among students. The students held up their handbells and xylophones and played along with the lecture’s instructions, such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and “Minuet.” They even applauded to the students who finished their solo performance. Kim Seok-Joo, a lecturer at the Lifelong Education enter for Future and Citizen in Mirinae Institute, who is in charge of the class, said, “I want to teach them that incorrect answers are sometimes acceptable and that they can express them without being perfect through class.”

Mirinae Institute is planning employment assistance for students, not just education. After completing classes such as craftsmanship and food expression, students are required to obtain relevant certificates, and they are also preparing for field training programs with external organizations. Tea Somelier and barista training, as well as field training with the cooperative “Smart Farm for Everyday Joy,” are under discussion. Prof. Park said, “We were able to make positive changes to students with just one semester of class. We plan to modify the classes according to the level and circumstances of students in each grade so that effective education can be achieved.”

Mirinae Institute aims to provide equitable educational opportunities to the socially vulnerable through the operation of professional lifelong education programs. Prof. Park said, “As PNU is a national university-based, it is strengthening responsibilities and obligations for the socially vulnerable. We are educating Slow Learners to communicate with communities and families, and improve their quality of life so that they can stand up on their own.”

Meanwhile, Mirinae Institute is accepting applications for the 2025 academic year from November 11th to 15th. In the same way as 2024, it will be divided into four curriculums: liberal arts classes, culture and arts, somatics, and specialized education. It will also offer 10 classes, including basic life management, interpersonal skills, and vocational literacy education (Computer Basic Utilization, Basic English 1). Student presentations will be held once a year, and a certificate under the name of the PNU President will be issued after completion.

Reporter Oh Jeong-Rin, Lim Seung-Ha

Translated by Seo Ye-Jin