Highlights at a Glance 🌟
• 858 students joined the Peter Heaven Culture Academy in one year
• Arts, sports, and digital skills combined into a balanced vacation program
• Students choose classes through hands-on course fairs
• Parents and students report high satisfaction and visible growth
A Student-Led Vacation Program Finding New Meaning 🎒🌱
The Peter Heavenly Culture Academy (PHCA), run by Shincheonji Church in Gwangju, is emerging as a meaningful vacation education model for teenagers. Designed to let students take the lead, the program encourages youth to explore arts, culture, sports, and practical skills during school breaks—away from the pressure of constant academic competition.
Over the past year alone, 858 students participated, showing that PHCA is no longer just a short-term activity, but a growing educational platform trusted by both students and parents.
Rather than filling vacations with more exams and homework, PHCA focuses on balance—learning, rest, relationships, and self-discovery all in one place 🌈.
Steady Growth Through Diverse and Practical Courses 🎨⚽️💻
PHCA has shown clear growth with each session. During the first winter session, 471 students joined 29 different courses. The second summer session expanded even further, offering 31 courses to 387 students.
What stood out most in the second session was the addition of media and digital skill classes. Alongside arts, music, and sports, students could now experience practical subjects connected to real-life skills and future career paths.
This change helped transform PHCA from a simple activity-based program into a space where students could build confidence, discover interests, and develop abilities at their own pace.
Course Fairs and Community-Based Teaching 🤝📚
One of PHCA’s most unique features is its pre-session course fair. Before classes begin, students and parents can visit booths, try sample lessons, and talk directly with instructors. This allows students to choose classes based on genuine interest—not pressure.
Parents also benefit by clearly understanding what each course offers, which builds trust and reassurance.
All classes are taught through volunteer talent donations by church members. Instructors from various professional backgrounds share their skills, turning PHCA into a true community-built education space. Many instructors shared that watching students grow in confidence and attitude was deeply rewarding.
Positive Responses From Students and Parents 🌟💬
Students described PHCA as a refreshing change from typical vacations spent only studying or gaming at home. Physical activities helped them stay active, while arts and culture classes boosted confidence and creativity.
Parents shared similar feelings. Many said their children finally experienced a “real vacation” while still growing emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Seeing hands-on learning combined with faith-based values gave families peace of mind.
A church leader explained that PHCA aims to help students grow in a healthy and balanced way, staying grounded in faith while exploring new experiences. Now continuing into its third session, PHCA is pointing toward a new direction for youth vacation education—one where students are active leaders in their own growth 🌱✨.
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