Health ministry checks summer-break care program in Gwangsan-gu

The health ministry said Monday that Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong inspected an elementary-school summer-break care program at the Suwansup Community Child Center in Gwangsan-gu, hearing from workers and serving lunch to children.

Launched July 27, the program expands operating hours at participating after-school care centers for students unable to use school care classes or left without local options.

At a meeting with city and Gwangsan-gu officials, the center director and social welfare workers, Jeong heard about demand for the service and users' responses, as well as the operation of meals, programs and staffing.

As of July 28, 1,529 sites nationwide had been designated for the program, which will run through Aug. 21. One option operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a morning snack, lunch and dinner; the other, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., provides lunch and dinner.

“I thank center directors and social welfare workers for caring for children and providing meals during the vacation,” Jeong said. “We will actively consider the views raised today and strengthen outreach so families needing care do not miss out because they are unaware of the program.”

Jeong also urged staff to closely monitor food hygiene and children's safety. The service is open, on application, to elementary school students who had not used the centers during term time. It is free for households receiving basic livelihood benefits, while fees for other children are capped at 10,000 won ($7) a week.

“We hope this vacation-care program will help ease the burden of school-break care for parents with elementary school children,” Hyeon Su-yeop, first vice minister of health and welfare, said. “With related ministries, we will continue to close gaps in care at night, on weekends and during vacations.”

The government initially planned to involve up to 2,500 of about 5,600 after-school community care facilities during the summer vacation and plans to use the same approach in winter.