Incheon Office of Education Selects 30 Neulbom Model Schools... Expands After-School Programs

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 14th that it has selected 30 elementary schools in the region as Incheon-type Neulbom model schools.

Neulbom Schools, which provide after-school programs and care for elementary students until 8 p.m., will be piloted at 200 schools nationwide starting this March and fully expanded by 2025.

The Incheon Office of Education originally planned to select 20 elementary schools as Neulbom Schools, but increased the number to 30 due to high interest and positive response from schools.

This year, the key tasks for the Incheon-type Neulbom model schools are expanding after-school programs and diversifying care types.

They will operate the "Grade 1 Early Admission Edu-care Program" to address care gaps caused by early dismissal at the beginning of the school year and to support stable school life, as well as "Future-oriented and Customized Programs" to provide students with diverse and creative educational experiences.

Additionally, for students who need to arrive early at school, "Morning Exciting School" and "Morning Warm School (Gap Care)" will be operated as morning-special programs consisting of reading classes and physical activities, and evening care will be gradually expanded until 8 p.m. according to school demand and conditions.

To this end, the Office of Education plans to operate the "Village After-school Program Visiting Schools," which supports students' learning and care through collaboration between the community and schools. Dedicated personnel for Neulbom Schools will also be assigned to reduce the workload of schools and teachers.

Superintendent Doseong Hoon said, "Considering the diverse regional characteristics of Incheon, we will discover various Neulbom School models that fit the conditions and situations of schools," and added, "As this is the first year of implementation, we will closely communicate with the Ministry of Education and provide meticulous support to ensure there are no difficulties at school sites."

Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education building exterior