Opening of the First Himssen Chungnam Village Care Center... "Will Become the Root of Childcare"

Hongseong Peaceful and Reliable Church Provides After-school Care for Elementary Students Until 9 PM

Chungnam Province has begun building care infrastructure to achieve comprehensive care services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

On the 12th, the province held the opening ceremony for the first "Himssen Chungnam Village Care Center" at the Pyeongan Hago Dundeunhan Church in Hongseong. The event was attended by over 100 people, including Governor Kim Taeheum of Chungnam and Superintendent of Education Kim Jicheol.

The Village Care Center is part of the Himssen Chungnam Full Care policy. In preparation for the full implementation of Neulbom School in 2026, the province is addressing the shortage of facilities by establishing care infrastructure in collaboration with closed or idle daycare centers, religious facilities, and more.

Pyeongan Hago Dundeunhan Church plans to run programs such as physical activities and crafts for about 20 elementary students from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. To this end, one dedicated staff member and two care teachers have been hired, and two care classrooms, a group program room, and a cafeteria have been set up.

This year, the province will pilot the Village Care Center in Hongseong and Cheonan, and plans to expand it to all cities and counties next year.

Governor Kim Taeheum said, "The Himssen Chungnam Village Care Center, which embodies the community's determination to raise children together, is expected to become the foundation of child care. Next year, we will operate 17 child care centers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to establish a seamless care system in every city and county."

Superintendent Kim Jicheol stated, "I believe that opening the Village Care Center will strengthen the state's responsibility for education and care. We will supplement the gaps outside of Neulbom School and support the happy growth of children in Chungnam."

Meanwhile, the province is currently implementing the Himssen Chungnam Full Care policy, aiming to restore the total fertility rate to 1.0 by 2026 and promote comprehensive care services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.