They say a child’s first word often comes from their mother’s lips, tenderly spoken and deeply cherished. For most, that word is “mum.” Yet, there exists a remarkable exception—a tale woven in the corridors of a kindergarten where a little girl found her voice through the guidance of a compassionate educator.
Meet Ju Hong Gyong, a child whose world was enveloped in silence and darkness after an unforeseen accident stole her ability to hear and speak. In the nurturing embrace of her kindergarten teacher, Jong Yun Gyong, Ju Hong Gyong found not only her first word but a pathway to communication and connection.
Hyon Mi Yon, Ju Hong Gyong’s mother, reflects on her daughter’s journey with gratitude and awe. “I fretted over my daughter’s future,” she recalls, “but it was Jong Yun Gyong who became her beacon of hope. From her, my daughter learned to speak her mother tongue, taking her first steps towards education and empowerment.”
Jong Yun Gyong, a dedicated educator at Wasan Kindergarten in Pyongyang, embraced Ju Hong Gyong’s journey with unwavering determination. Responding to the heartfelt plea of Hyon Mi Yon to integrate her daughter into the classroom, Jong Yun Gyong seized every opportunity to nurture Ju Hong Gyong’s potential.
Recalling those early days, Jong Yun Gyong shares, “I felt a profound responsibility not just as a teacher, but as a guardian of this precious child’s future. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her voiceless in a world brimming with possibility.” With patience and perseverance, Jong Yun Gyong embarked on a mission to unlock Ju Hong Gyong’s voice, starting with the gentle guidance needed to ease the stiffness from her lips.
Teaching Ju Hong Gyong the nuances of language proved to be a formidable challenge, but Jong Yun Gyong refused to be deterred. Through innovative methods and tireless dedication, she guided Ju Hong Gyong through the intricate dance of pronunciation, often resorting to unconventional tactics to illustrate the subtle mechanics of speech.
Despite the demands of her own family and responsibilities, Jong Yun Gyong poured her heart and soul into Ju Hong Gyong’s education, driven by a profound sense of duty and compassion. Yet, amidst the triumphs and setbacks, she grappled with moments of doubt, questioning whether her efforts were truly making a difference in Ju Hong Gyong’s life.
But then, like a beacon in the darkness, came the breakthrough—Ju Hong Gyong’s first word, uttered with a sweetness that echoed through Jong Yun Gyong’s heart. “The moment she called me ‘mum,’ I felt an indescribable surge of emotion,” Jong Yun Gyong recounts, her voice trembling with emotion. “In that instant, it was as if she had become my own daughter, and I, her mother.”
Today, Ju Hong Gyong walks the halls of her school with a sense of pride and purpose, a testament to the transformative power of education and love. And for Jong Yun Gyong, her role as an educator takes on a new depth of meaning as she witnesses Ju Hong Gyong’s blossoming journey.
As Ju Hong Gyong embarks on the path of primary and middle school education, she carries with her the legacy of resilience and determination instilled by her devoted educators. In their eyes, she is not just a student but a symbol of hope—a reminder that with love and guidance, every child can find their voice and soar to new heights.
