49.7 Billion Won Earmarked for After-School Activities in 2007
In 2007, support for after-school programs will be extended to 89 cities and counties, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development on April 5. This is up 70 from August 2006, when the government started extending support for 19 regions. This year, a total of 49.7 billion Korea won has been earmarked for the purpose.
The system, first initiated in 2006, has been recognized as a major means of supplementing formal school education, curbing private education expenses, and bridging educational gaps between socioeconomic classes and regions. Earlier this year, surveys on last year’s pilot operation in 19 regions showed that 52.8 percent of students recognized after-school programs as an effective means of reducing private education expenses. Participation has grown in accord over the year, to 52.1 percent among primary students, 64.2 percent among middle school students, and 78 percent among high school students.
On February 14, 2007, the ministry held a presentation meeting in the presence of 140 city/county authorities, and called for the application of local governments interested in taking part in the after-school program. Applications are currently being reviewed by a screening committee composed of educational experts and academics.
Selected cities and counties will be provided with level-differentiated financial support, from minimum 490 million won to maximum 650 million won, which will go into financing lectures, students’ transportation, child care facilities, etc. In selected regions, local authorities and local education offices will be required to form a large school district that encompasses small nearby schools, where after-school programs will be jointly operated.
Under the co-support of central and local governments, the ministry seeks to elevate the quality of educational services for agricultural and fishing villages, and bridge the education gap between urban and rural areas. After-school programs are also expected to help cultivate qualifies regional human resources and offer stronger linkages among local societies. The ministry intends to continue activation of the programs, expanding the number to 140 cities and counties by 2008 under a financial support of approximately 72 billion won.
웹사이트: http://www.moe.go.kr
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2008년 2월 20일 16:26
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2008년 2월 18일 16:28