Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, Wins Top Award in Ministry of Health's 'Excellent Childcare Policy Local Government' Evaluation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 16th that it received the grand prize and a reward of 5 million won in the '2020 Childcare Policy Excellent Local Government Evaluation' hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 15th.

Every year, the Ministry of Health examines the childcare project performance of local governments nationwide, rewards excellent local governments, disseminates best practices, and promotes the development of childcare policies.

This year, the Ministry of Health evaluation committee reviewed projects that passed the first round of evaluations conducted by city and provincial governments among the childcare policies of 252 metropolitan and basic local governments nationwide, selecting 18 organizations as awardees.

Gwangsan-gu ranked first among basic local governments, while Busan Metropolitan City took the top spot among metropolitan local governments nationwide.

In this evaluation, Gwangsan-gu received high scores particularly in expanding public childcare, special policies such as COVID-19 response, and contributions to stabilizing the childcare support system, earning the honor of the award.

Gwangsan-gu expanded public childcare by adding 15 national and public daycare centers and expanding childcare for vulnerable groups this year.

Furthermore, it promptly responded to the infectious disease crisis by providing thermometers and quarantine/disinfection supplies to all daycare centers, enforcing COVID-19 related guidelines, and inspecting on-site safety and quarantine measures.

In addition, it achieved a 95% placement rate of extended childcare dedicated teachers, selected 75 open daycare centers, conducted daycare center safety inspections, provided safety education for childcare staff, and implemented part-time childcare services.

Kim Sam-ho, Mayor of Gwangsan-gu, said, "Achieving good results amid the difficult adversity of COVID-19 is thanks to the dedication and efforts of childcare field staff and related public officials," adding, "The administration will do its best to support a childcare environment where children are happy and parents feel secure."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.