Eligibility Expanded to 8th and 11th Graders
Vouchers Usable at Local Businesses for Textbooks, Glasses, and Exam Fees
The Gwangju Office of Education will officially launch the 'Kkum Dreami' voucher program, which supports student education expenses, starting in April. First introduced last year, this program has been improved to expand the range of eligible students and allow vouchers to be used for a wider variety of items.
According to the Gwangju Office of Education on the 28th, 'Kkum Dreami' is a project that supports both direct and indirect educational expenses needed for school life. While it previously focused on 9th and 12th graders, starting this year, eligibility has been expanded to include 8th and 9th graders, 11th and 12th graders from multi-child families (two or more children), low-income families (at or below 120% of the median income), and students from multicultural or North Korean defector families.
The support amount is 1 million won per student per year, with a maximum of 970,000 won provided after accounting for costs already covered at the school level. This voucher can be used at businesses in the Gwangju area for textbooks, books, study room fees, school supplies, eyeglasses, and more. For 12th graders, it can also be used for university application fees.
Applications open on April 1. There will be a focused application period for high school students on April 17, and for middle school students from April 8 to 14, with applications accepted until November. Students or parents can apply by accessing the voucher system with a mobile phone registered in their name, and after school verification, a 'Gwangju Education Kkum Dreami exclusive check card' will be issued.
Superintendent Lee Jeongseon said, "Every student should be able to pursue their dreams regardless of their economic circumstances," adding, "We will design policies even more carefully to realize student-centered educational welfare."
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