Publication of the "Nowon-Style Care White Paper"

Nowon-Style Care:
A Visionary Model Leading the National “All-Day Care System” Policy
Sharing Progress and Achievements with Local Governments

[Asia Economy, Reporter Park Jongil] Nowon District (District Mayor Oh Seungrok), which has been leading the establishment of the government’s “All-Day Care System”-a key national policy initiative-by operating exemplary after-school care facilities such as the Ai-Hyu Center for first to third grade elementary students from dual-income families, has published a white paper to widely share its progress and achievements with other local governments.

The Nowon-style Care White Paper, produced under the slogan “Care Like Nowon!”, is divided into four sections: Introduction, Development, Climax, and Conclusion. To make it more engaging, the white paper uses a fairy tale format to present the process of building the care system across eight themes between each section.

□ Introduction - The Motivation, Process, and Anecdotes Behind the Launch of Nowon-Style Care

The “Introduction” section, which marks the official start of Nowon-style care, details the motivation, process, and anecdotes behind its launch. It explains the support system, including the Ai-Hyu Center, existing local children’s centers, and after-school classes. It also introduces the basic structure of the All-Day Care Project Group, which oversees all care facilities, describes the organic cooperation between the different centers, and offers practical tips for other local governments to reference.

□ Development - Detailed Progress and the Need to Establish an All-Day Care Ecosystem

The “Development” section describes the detailed progress of the initiative, including site selection for care facilities, spatial arrangements for efficient operation, and the necessity of creating an all-day care ecosystem, which is the ultimate goal of Nowon-style care. This section also covers the regional distribution of Ai-Hyu Centers, which mark the beginning of care for elementary students, the nation’s first “Care for Sick Children” program, and “Meal Table Care” that provides meals on behalf of busy parents, along with stories from facility staff members.

□ Climax - Achievements of Ai-Hyu Centers Presented in Figures

The “Climax” section presents the achievements of Ai-Hyu Centers, Nowon’s elementary care facilities, using quantitative data-for example, showing that children can reach schools, homes, and facilities within 10 minutes on foot. It also shares stories from children and parents, illustrating how their feedback has been reflected in policy. Additionally, it highlights external recognition, such as President Moon Jae-in’s visit in February 2019, as evidence of Nowon-style care’s achievements.

□ Conclusion - The Future Direction of Nowon-Style Care

The final “Conclusion” section wraps up the white paper with the future direction of Nowon-style care, plans for expanding facilities, thank-you letters from care workers, and images of the facilities and children using them.

Nowon-style care system has been fully operational since the launch of the seventh popularly elected local government.

Nowon District’s child care began with the establishment of the Ai-Hyu Center, which looks after young elementary school children from dual-income families until their parents finish work.

While there are many options for child care before children enter elementary school, such as kindergartens and daycare centers, there are few options once they start school, often causing women to leave the workforce and experience career interruptions.

This initiative was driven by the belief that building a safe and reliable child care system is essential to overcoming low birth rates.

Nowon-style care began in October 2018 with the opening of the first Ai-Hyu Center. In October last year, the district opened the nation’s first dedicated care space, the “Nowon Child Care Center,” which brings together play, rest, and health for elementary students in one place. Currently, the district operates a total of 51 all-day care facilities, including 24 Ai-Hyu Centers, local children’s centers, and after-school classrooms.

The white paper will be mailed to central government agencies, including the Blue House, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, as well as to local governments nationwide. It will also be made available at all 51 child care facilities within the district.

Additionally, three types of videos-a summary video of the achievements report, a motion graphic about care for sick children, and a sand art video about meal table care-have been uploaded to the YouTube channel “Eoseowa TV” so that anyone can watch them.

District Mayor Oh Seungrok stated, “We are building a child-centered care support system where children can play, eat, and rest well. We will continue our efforts to ensure that parents can feel at ease and children can be safely cared for within their communities.”

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