Yoon: "We Must Move Toward National Care... Neulbom School to Expand Nationwide in the Second Half"

President Yoon Chairs the 9th People's Livelihood Forum
"Making a Country for Children Is the Top Priority"
Also Requests Community Talent Donations for Neulbom School

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 5th that childcare should progress from parental care to state care.

On the same day, at Shinwoo Elementary School in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province, during the 9th Public Discussion Forum held under the theme "Neulbom School with Warm Care and Education," President Yoon said, "For parents to confidently entrust their children and freely engage in economic and social activities, school care is essential."

The government has selected Neulbom School as a key initiative since last year and plans to establish Neulbom Schools in 2,000 elementary schools in the first half of this year and in all elementary schools in the second half. Furthermore, by 2026, the benefits of Neulbom School will be extended not only to lower grades but also to upper grades.

President Yoon mentioned the difficulties of raising children, saying, "Usually, when children enter elementary school, many mothers quit their jobs. Sending children to private academies not only costs a lot but also causes anxiety. I have visited several local care centers, but I found that facilities other than schools are insufficient, and it is very difficult for children to have enjoyable time there while also having opportunities to learn something."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He emphasized that state care projects such as Neulbom School are the responsibility of the president. President Yoon explained, "As president, making a country for children and a country where children are happy is my top priority. Care is the responsibility of our entire community, the state and local governments, and above all, it is the constitutional responsibility of the president to ensure the sustainability of our society."

He also stressed that expanding the role of schools must accompany the establishment of state care. President Yoon said, "In a democratic society, public education must be at the center of education, and ultimately, schools are at the center of public education. Children should go to school happily, and schools should be the most trusted and reliable place to entrust them."

He continued, "Last year, a pilot project for Neulbom School started in 459 elementary schools, and I was able to confirm on-site that both children and parents were highly satisfied. We conducted a preliminary survey of prospective parents this year, and 83.6% expressed a desire to participate in Neulbom School, showing great expectations. Since everyone is waiting for this, despite various difficulties, we must work together to push this forward well. Our government will definitely accelerate the pace so that anyone who wants to can enjoy this opportunity in all elementary schools nationwide," he emphasized.

He also promised to prepare high-quality Neulbom School programs. President Yoon said, "We will extend operating hours from early morning to 8 p.m. according to local conditions, and continuously expand free programs and projects that reduce parents' burdens, such as providing dinner. We will diversify Neulbom School programs so that children can enjoy playing while learning beneficial things and growing," he pledged.

The government plans to include various programs such as music, art, physical education, dance, theater, choir, and digital utilization, rather than simple supplementary academic classes, to foster character and creativity education for children attending Neulbom School. President Yoon asked universities, companies, local governments, and institutions to collaborate to provide good programs, saying, "I ask experts from various fields of our society to donate their talents so that Neulbom School can operate more effectively."

Furthermore, he reiterated, "There is an African proverb that it takes a whole village to raise a child. Each of the more than 6,000 schools nationwide has different conditions and environments. While the state is responsible for care, I ask local communities and all citizens to take an interest and actively participate together."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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