WAKAYAMA -- A pro-Pyongyang school for Korean students in this western Japan city has succeeded in raising funds for a new water pump through a crowdfunding drive, surpassing its target by nearly 1 million yen (approx. $6,350).

Since last summer, the water pump at the Wakayama Korean elementary and junior high school had been experiencing problems, with water not coming out of faucets in the school building and dormitories. The school accordingly launched a crowdfunding campaign calling for help to create an environment where students could study with peace of mind.

The school was founded in 1958, and 32 children are currently studying there, with education ranging from kindergarten to junior high school. In addition to unique subjects such as language and history, the school also holds lessons in Korean based on the Japanese school curriculum. On Dec. 24, a ceremony was held to mark the end of the second semester, and students reflected on past events and received their report cards. On the same day, children could be seen playing cheerfully on the school grounds.

In March 2016, the Japanese education ministry sent prefectural governments a notice that called for reconsideration of subsidies provided to pro-North Korean schools, which led to a series of grant cancellations. In Wakayama, too, public support from the prefectural and municipal governments has been stopped, and the financial situation at such schools is tight due to falling student numbers and a surge in lighting and heating expenses.

There are many other badly deteriorated areas at the school besides the water pump, such as the concrete block and exterior walls, and for urgent matters such as the water pump, the school's only option has been to rely on donations.

School principal Kim Yong Chol commented, "It's a unique learning environment, but I'd be happy if the crowdfunding provides an opportunity for people to learn about Korean schools. We want to create an environment where children can be proud of being Korean residents in Japan.

The school is soliciting donations of 1,000 yen or more until Dec. 28 through the crowdfunding site Giving100. As of 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, the campaign had raised 2,490,000 yen (about $15,800), far surpassing its target of 1.5 million yen (about $9,500). The campaign page can be seen at https://congrant.com/project/mireef/13476 ;

(Japanese original by Rihi Anzai, Wakayama Bureau)