Team of the K-Connectors 3rd Cohort implemented the Stereotype Detectives program for refugee children at Yeolguk Children’s School, presenting an inclusive cultural education model tailored to multicultural and refugee children. The program was designed to help refugee children deepen their understanding of Korean society and culture while encouraging them to positively reinterpret their own cultural identities.

Through the Stereotype Detectives program, the Korus Team guided refugee children to actively explore social perceptions and stereotypes surrounding them. The program was structured into five stages: ▲ understanding key concepts, ▲ analyzing characters portrayed in media, ▲ identifying stereotypes related to occupation, gender, and appearance, ▲ sharing personal experiences, and ▲ narrative reconstruction activities.

During the sessions, participating children analyzed examples in which characters in animations and fairy tales are portrayed in limited ways based on gender, appearance, or profession, and discussed how such portrayals differ from real life. The children examined common social stereotypes—such as “all refugees need help” or “princesses are white and thin”—and worked together to deconstruct these assumptions by reflecting on their own lived experiences and those of people around them.

In the final stage, children demonstrated particularly high engagement by reimagining animated characters as versions of themselves and recreating new narratives that transcended existing stereotypes. This activity was widely regarded as meaningful in that it helped refugee children reconceptualize themselves not as passive subjects within Korean society, but as active agents capable of creating their own stories.

The Korus Team emphasized that the program focused on fostering a sense of belonging among refugee children as members of Korean society, while also encouraging them to view their cultural backgrounds as valuable assets. The team stated, “For refugee children to take root stably in Korean society, cultural education that builds identity and self-esteem—beyond simple language instruction—is essential,” adding, “We hope this program will serve as a practical model for inclusive education.”

The Korus Team of the K-Connectors 3rd Cohort plans to continue implementing diverse programs aimed at improving awareness of refugee issues and strengthening policy-oriented approaches in the future. 

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