Yoon: "Neulbom School, Direction Is Right Despite Resistance... Central and Local Governments Cooperate" (Comprehensive)

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the "Public Discussion on Livelihoods with the People - Ninth Session, Neulbom School with Warm Care and Education" held on the 5th at Shinwoo Elementary School in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed a strong commitment on the 5th regarding child care, stating, "Even if we maintain a sound fiscal policy, we will invest finances and cooperate with both central and local governments." Regarding the government's plan to expand Neulbom Schools, he acknowledged, "There may be difficulties and resistance, but the direction is correct," urging for acceleration of related policies.

On the morning of the same day, President Yoon announced the expansion plan for Neulbom Schools at Shinwoo Elementary School in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, during the 9th Public Livelihood Discussion Forum themed "Neulbom Schools with Warm Care and Education," emphasizing that "we must move from parental care to national care."

Neulbom Schools are designed by the government to respond to the low birthrate crisis by allowing elementary students who wish to stay at school until 8 p.m. to participate in various programs and receive care. Since last year, the government has selected Neulbom Schools as a key initiative, planning to establish them 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 Schools will be extended not only to lower grades but also to upper-grade students.

President Yoon mentioned, "Usually, when children enter elementary school, mothers often quit their jobs," adding, "Sending children to private academies not only costs a lot but also causes mental stress."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the "Public Discussion on Livelihoods with the People - Ninth Session, Neulbom School with Warm Care and Education" held on the 5th at Shinwoo Elementary School in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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He particularly emphasized that national child care projects such as Neulbom Schools are the president’s duty. President Yoon stated, "As president, making a country for children and a country where children are happy is my top priority," explaining, "Child care is the responsibility of our entire community, the state and local governments, and above all, it is the constitutional responsibility of the president who must ensure the sustainability of our society."

He also stressed that expanding the role of schools must accompany the establishment of national child care. President Yoon said, "In a democratic society, public education must be central, and the core of public education is ultimately the school," urging, "Children should go to school happily, and schools should be the most trusted and reliable places."

He continued, "Last year, we started a pilot project for Neulbom Schools in 459 elementary schools, and I personally confirmed on-site that both children and parents were highly satisfied. This year, we conducted a demand survey among prospective parents, and 83.6% expressed a desire to participate in Neulbom Schools, showing great expectations," emphasizing, "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 these opportunities in all elementary schools nationwide."

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

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 Schools. President Yoon said he would collaborate with universities, companies, local governments, and institutions to provide quality programs, requesting, "For Neulbom Schools to operate more effectively, we ask experts from all sectors of our society to donate their talents."

He also quoted an African proverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child," and reiterated, "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."

In his closing remarks, President Yoon emphasized the state’s role in child care and expressed his determination to vigorously promote related policies. He said, "The significant expansion of Neulbom Schools is not a simple task," adding, "It is only possible through the interest of central and local governments, substantial financial investment, and cooperation from local communities and parents on the ground."

Regarding child care, President Yoon stated, "Shifting from parental care to public care requires all of us to work together," and said, "If children can be joyful, happy, and grow up properly later, there is nothing more important for the state. Even if we maintain a sound fiscal policy, we must invest finances in this area and cooperate between central and local governments."

He continued, "There will be many difficulties and resistance here and there," but emphasized, "However, this is the right direction to take." President Yoon added, "We cannot delay any longer; let’s join forces and work hard this year," and joked, "I will also look for opportunities to donate my talents related to the Neulbom School programs (laughs)."

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the "Public Livelihood Discussion with the People - Ninth Session, Neulbom School with Warm Care and Education" held on the 5th at Shinwoo Elementary School in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do, where he listened to a work report on the promotion of Neulbom School by Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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